Source The Hindu
GUWAHATI — The Assam government has issued a high alert across multiple districts after torrential monsoon rains triggered severe flash floods and landslides in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. Authorities warn that a massive surge of water is moving downstream, posing an immediate flood threat to low-lying areas along the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati reported that the Yazali station in Arunachal’s Lower Subansiri (Keyi Panyor) district recorded a staggering 72.8 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour window, with the most intense downpour occurring during the early morning hours.
Hydroelectric Gate Opened as Rivers Swell
The sudden, intense cloudburst caused a rapid increase in water discharge in upper catchment areas. Flash floods hit the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project (formerly known as the Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project), forcing plant operators to open a spillway gate to release excess water and relieve mounting pressure on the dam.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the deluge has already caused widespread destruction:
Infrastructure Damage: Reports from the Yazali circle indicate that heavy debris flows have severely damaged local houses and critical infrastructure.
Loss of Connectivity: Major landslides have blocked vital national highways, completely cutting off six districts in Arunachal’s Western Zone.
Missing Persons: At least five individuals are currently reported missing from the NEEPCO project colony after floodwaters swept through the area. Search and rescue operations are underway.
Assam Braces for Impact
As the massive volume of water flows out of the hills, the Assam government anticipates a sharp rise in both water levels and flow velocity downstream.
According to an official state release, the advancing flood wave is expected to hit the frontier districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur first, before moving further downstream toward Dhubri over the next 24 to 48 hours. Nearly 14,000 people across seven districts in Assam are already grappling with early monsoon inundation.
