Guwahati Reels Under Severe Flooding: Assam CM Addresses Crisis in PC

GUWAHATI– In a press conference held today, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided a comprehensive update on the flood situation and the government’s mitigation efforts. He acknowledged the severity of the crisis, attributing the flooding to both heavy rainfall and the inflow of water from Meghalaya’s hills. Sarma assured the public that the state government is actively coordinating with multiple agencies to manage the situation.

The outlined the state’s response to the crisis, announcing school closures and relief measures while addressing the challenges posed by the deluge.

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School Closures and Employee Relief

To address the immediate impact on daily life, Sarma announced the closure of all schools in Kamrup and Kamrup (Metro) districts on May 31, 2025, due to severe waterlogging hampering access to educational institutions. Additionally, government employees residing far from their workplaces have been granted special casual leave to mitigate commuting challenges during the crisis. This move has been widely discussed on social media, with users urging the District Administration to extend closures to offices as well, citing unsafe travel conditions.

Deployment of Response Teams

Sarma emphasized that adequate teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) are stationed across Assam. These teams are working round-the-clock to rescue stranded residents and provide relief. The Kamrup (Metro) district administration has issued emergency contact numbers (0361-1077 and 93654-29314) for residents needing assistance.

Extent of the Flooding

Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, is grappling with severe flooding and waterlogging following three days of relentless rainfall, bringing normal life to a standstill. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Assam, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall until May 31, 2025, exacerbating concerns for the city and surrounding areas.

In a press conference held today, Heavy rainfall, combined with a significant inflow of runoff water from Meghalaya’s hills through the Juripar area, has inundated several parts of Guwahati. Low-lying areas such as Rukminigaon, Hatigaon, Kahilipara, Six Mile, Juripar Path, Panjabari, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Wireless, and Beltola are among the worst affected, with reports of waist-deep water in residential zones.

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Roads, including major thoroughfares like Zoo Road towards Sundarpur, are submerged, with vehicles struggling to navigate through floodwaters. Social media posts from residents highlight the severity, with one user noting, “Guwahati is under water today, no power and mobile networks are not working,” pointing to additional disruptions in electricity and communication services.

Relief Measures

The Chief Minister revealed that over 14,000 metric tons of rice have been dispatched to support flood-affected communities across the state. Desiltation works and dewatering pumps are operational in Guwahati to alleviate urban flooding, though the scale of the water inflow and infrastructure limitations pose ongoing challenges.

Weather Forecast and Coordination

Sarma referenced the IMD’s red alert, warning that heavy rainfall is expected to continue, potentially worsening the situation. He assured that the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with central and local agencies to ensure a robust response. The government is also addressing criticisms regarding Guwahati’s drainage system, with Sarma noting efforts to improve infrastructure, though he acknowledged the complexity of managing runoff from neighboring Meghalaya.

Challenges and Public Sentiment

The flooding has exposed longstanding issues with Guwahati’s infrastructure, particularly its drainage system, which has been criticized as inadequate.  Residents in areas like Juripar Path and Panjabari have reported floodwater entering homes. The lack of power and mobile network connectivity has further compounded the crisis, leaving many feeling isolated.