India: Authorities rescue 219 from flood-hit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh August 31

Event

More than 200 people were rescued on Friday, August 31, following flooding on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states in northeastern India. The states went on high flood alert on the evening (local time) of Thursday, August 30, when China warned of rising water on the Tsangpo River, which is named Siang in India, due to heavy rains. National and state disaster relief personnel assisted the evacuation of 200 people from low-lying areas in Assam state, while Indian Air Force rescuers saved 19 people stranded on an island in Arunachal Pradesh.

Other rivers that are affected include the Beki (Barpeta district, Assam), Jiabharali (Sonitpur district, Assam), and the Bhramaputra. Nagaland and three districts in Meghalaya have also issued alerts as of Saturday, September 1. On Sunday, September 2, water levels on the Siang were receding, though infrastructure may remain damaged and transportation disruptions are possible in the near future.

Context

Heavy monsoon rains in India and China have caused flooding in northeastern India, resulting in the deaths of 62 people this year in Assam and Nagaland. The monsoon season typically runs from June to October and frequently results in flooding, landslides, evacuations, and transportation disruptions.

Advice

Individuals present in northeastern Indian states are advised to monitor the weather situation and forecasts, to anticipate localized flooding and associated road hazards, and to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.