BHUBANESWAR/DHAKA – Torrential rains have triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides in India’s northeastern region, resulting in at least 34 fatalities over the past four days, according to authorities and media reports. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns about further devastation.
In the Himalayan state of Sikkim, over 1,000 tourists stranded by the floods were being evacuated on Monday, a government statement confirmed. In Meghalaya, army rescue teams were deployed to assist more than 500 people trapped in inundated areas. The flooding has also impacted neighboring Bangladesh, where a landslide in the northeastern district of Sylhet claimed the lives of four family members. Authorities in Bangladesh opened hundreds of shelters in the hilly districts of Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari on Sunday to accommodate those displaced.
The region, prone to severe monsoon rains, frequently experiences deadly landslides and flash floods that affect millions annually. In Assam’s Silchar city, visuals depicted flooded roads and homes, with fallen trees scattered across the area. “We are grappling with immense difficulties. My child’s bed is underwater. What can we do in such circumstances? We stay awake all night,” said Sonu Devi, a Silchar resident.
Officials have issued warnings of additional landslides and flash floods, urging residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant.