Rain seems to be following a reducing trend now but not without leaving a trail of devastation. Going by media reports, at least 55 people have been killed and thousands displaced due to flash floods and mudslides caused by heavy rains in several states of Northeast India.
With 35 people killed in cases of drowning and landslides, Meghalaya is the worst hit. Generally, rain waters from Meghalaya flows down to Bangladesh but in such heavy showers, as witnessed on Sunday and Monday, flooding can’t be avoided. Cherrapunji in Meghalaya had received over 1000 mm of rain in the last six days but received only 20 mm in last 24 hours.
On Monday the city observed 205 mm of rain, while other places like Williamnagar recorded 319 mm, Shillong 203 mm, Nongstoin 267 mm and Baghmara 169 mm of rain.
Rain has now reduced considerably in Meghalaya and other Northeastern states. In a span of 24 hours, only few places received rain- Shillong received 20 mm, Passighat 25 mm and Tadong in Sikkim received 62 mm of rain.
Rain in Assam
Heavy rain began visiting Assam since Friday with Barpeta and Jorhat receiving 93 mm and 61 mm of rain, respectively. Incessant rains lead to severe floods in 12 districts of Assam including Goalpara, Dhubri, Lakhimpur, Kamrup district and Guwahati. In a span of 24 hours from 8.30 am on Monday, Guwahati received a whopping 155 mm of rain. On Sunday, Dhubri had also recorded 205 mm of rain.
In last 24 hours Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Tezpur and most of other places did not receive any rain at all. According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, rain is likely to reduce further and if at all, only isolated places could receive light rain now.
Rescue operations
Though rescue teams have been effectively deployed, several villages are still totally submerged in water. Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Mukul Sangma said that the floods were the worst in recent memory and bad weather has been hampering rescue efforts.
Picture courtesy- The Hans India
