(Assam) [India], June 1 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday advised people living in low-lying and riverbank areas to stay alert and follow local advisories amid heavy rainfall. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh after several people were stranded in the middle of a flooded river in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to CM Sarma, multiple areas have experienced rainfall exceeding 30 cm, with Silchar recording 42 cm, Karimganj 35 cm, and Hailakandi 30 cm. “Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm), and nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories. Stay safe, stay prepared,” Sarma posted on X. He also noted heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh locations such as Kibitoo (17 cm), Hayuliang (15 cm), and Kalaktang (10 cm), which may cause a sharp rise in downstream river levels.
Guwahati district in Assam has suffered multiple landslides, with at least eight people reported dead over the last two days due to the adverse weather. Earlier, Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the landslides. “We held a meeting to assess the ongoing flood situation in Assam. Relief efforts are underway in many places, and a team of volunteers has been formed to assist affected areas. The Assam Government will provide Rs 4 lakh each to the families of five people who lost their lives due to landslides in Guwahati,” the minister told ANI.
The IAF launched its disaster relief mission Sunday morning, following requests from the state administrations of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. An Mi-17 helicopter safely rescued 14 individuals stranded in the middle of the flooded Bomjir river in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley.
Tripura also experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for West Tripura and Khowai, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph. (ANI)
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