Guwahati: Assam’s Lakhimpur district is reeling under a severe flood after the Ronganadi river overflowed due to heavy rains and a sudden release of water from the Ronganadi dam.
The situation became critical late last night when the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) opened all the dam’s gates, causing a massive surge of water into the surrounding areas.
The floods have wreaked havoc across large parts of the Lakhimpur district. More than 230 villages are reportedly underwater, forcing residents to evacuate their homes and find alternative shelter.
Panic has gripped the region since early this morning as floodwaters have surged into homes, agricultural fields, and roadways, completely paralysing normal life.
In the Naoboicha-Gendheli area, the 15th National Highway is under water, cutting off road connectivity and isolating entire regions. With key roads submerged, movement of people and emergency services has become extremely difficult.
One tragic incident has been reported from Pahumora, where a man lost his life after being trapped inside his flooded home.
Many families are still stranded, relying on rescue boats for evacuation or to receive essential supplies. However, limited access to food, drinking water, and medical aid has added to the residents’ suffering.
Authorities are on high alert and continuously monitoring the flood situation. District officials are conducting rapid damage assessments even as water levels continue to rise in several areas. The administration has urged residents in vulnerable zones to relocate to safer areas and cooperate with relief teams.
Exceptionally heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast to continue in Guwahati and other parts of Assam until Saturday (May 31), raising concerns about flooding and landslides.
According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five western districts as a deep depression over Bangladesh continues to impact the region.
The state and district authorities are closely monitoring the situation and emergency response systems remain on high alert, ASDMA added.
A red alert has been issued for Saturday (May 31) for five western districts of Assam: Chirang, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Baksa, and Tamulpur, indicating a severe weather warning.
Landslide-prone districts in Assam include Cachar, Dima Hasao, Hailakandi, Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Karbi Anglong, Sribhumi, and West Karbi Anglong.
Authorities are urging pre-identification of safe shelters and relocation of vulnerable populations to reduce potential loss of life.
