Overview of the Disaster
Heavy rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides in Northeast India, resulting in at least 16 fatalities over the past two weeks. Authorities report that more than 300,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes due to rising water levels.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The Indian Army and Air Force are actively engaged in rescue operations, particularly in Assam, one of the hardest-hit states. A military helicopter successfully airlifted 13 fishermen stranded for four days on a small island in the Brahmaputra River early Tuesday morning.
The Impact of the Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra River, one of Asia’s largest rivers, stretches 1,280 kilometers (800 miles) across Assam before flowing into Bangladesh. While the river is known for its annual flooding, this year’s heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly perilous for residents living in the more than 2,000 island villages scattered throughout the river.
Conditions in Neighboring States
In the neighboring state of Arunachal Pradesh, landslides have destroyed several roads. Army personnel rescued 70 students and teachers trapped in a flooded school in Changlang district. Similar flooding has impacted the states of Sikkim, Manipur, and Meghalaya, where roads have been swept away, and bridges have collapsed.
Toll on Life and Wildlife
Since late May, official figures indicate that over 80 people have lost their lives across six northeastern states due to floods and mudslides caused by relentless rains. In Assam, wildlife at Kaziranga National Park, home to approximately 2,500 one-horned rhinos, is moving to higher ground to escape the rising waters. Park rangers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of these animals, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Vulnerability to Climate Change
Flooding and landslides are frequent during the June-September monsoon season in this region. A 2021 report by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, a climate think tank based in New Delhi, identifies Assam as one of the world’s most vulnerable areas to climate change, facing increasingly severe rainfall and flooding.
