India: Flood warning in Assam state; 13 fatalities in northeast

Event

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued flood alerts in the Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Dhemaji, and Karimganj districts on Wednesday, June 14. In addition to Assam, neighboring states Manipur and Mizoram have also experienced significant flooding in several districts. Thirteen fatalities have been reported in northeast India due to flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain since June 12. Continued heavy rain is forecast until at least June 19 by the National Weather Forecasting Center of the India Meteorological Department, and flooding conditions may worsen in the coming days, leading to likely transportation disruptions and other infrastructural damage.

Context

Heavy rain from June 12 to June 15 in the northeast of India has submerged several areas, triggering a series of accidents, fatalities, and water-logging in many cities. Guwahati, the capital of Assam state, recorded a very high 10.6 cm (4.2 in) of rainfall on June 14, with other areas in the region seeing heavy rainfall as well. Although rain levels are decreasing at present, water flowing down from elevated areas has inundated additional areas in valleys across the northeast.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.