Severe floods and landslides in northern and northeastern India, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, have led to at least 16 fatalities. The situation has impacted states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including the iconic Kaziranga National Park.
Heavy Rain Triggers Fatal Flooding in Northeast India
Heavy rainfall has triggered severe floods and landslides in northern and northeastern India, resulting in at least 16 fatalities over the past two weeks, as reported by local authorities on July 2, 2024. In Assam, nine deaths have been confirmed, with another seven reported in the neighboring state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos, has also been affected, with more than half of its camps submerged and several animals, including four hog deer, reported dead. The floods have displaced over 640,000 people from their homes across 19 districts in Assam, including the state capital, Guwahati. The Indian Air Force deployed a Mi-17 IV helicopter to rescue 13 fishermen stranded on an island in the Brahmaputra River.
In Arunachal Pradesh, landslides prompted the closure of schools in the capital, Itanagar. Rescue operations were also conducted to evacuate students and teachers from flooded schools.
The situation is compounded by similar conditions in neighboring Bangladesh, where continuous rain and upstream water flow from India have left tens of thousands stranded. Authorities have issued warnings of further heavy rainfall, exacerbating the potential for more severe flooding and landslides in the coming days.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rain across the region, with authorities on high alert, preparing for potential evacuations and the deployment of additional rescue operations.
Tags: India, Floods, Heavy Rainfall, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga National Park, Indian Air Force, Rescue Operations, Northeast India
