Guwahati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday warned of isolated heavy rainfall over Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya till May 4, as several Assam districts recorded more than 100% above normal rainfall over the last 10 days amid pre-monsoon storms that have caused widespread damage to life and property.
The IMD said heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was recorded at a few places in Assam in the last 24 hours. Thunderstorms with squally and gusty winds reaching 50-100 kmph were also reported at isolated locations in the state during the period.
“Fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning gusty winds (speed reaching 30-50 kmph) likely over Northeast India during next 5 days,” IMD cautioned on Wednesday. It added that thundersquall with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, is likely over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura on Thursday.
The Met office said isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from April 29 to May 5. It forecast isolated very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh from April 30 to May 2, Assam and Meghalaya from April 30 to May 3, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from April 29 to May 4.
Assam, among the worst-hit northeastern states due to adverse weather, saw three districts record more than 100% above normal rainfall between April 18 and April 29. Dhemaji recorded the highest departure at 173% above normal, followed by Kamrup (Metro) at 120% and Dhubri at 112%. During the period, Dhemaji received 187.6 mm rainfall, while Kamrup (Metro) and Dhubri recorded 193.2 mm and 216.1 mm, respectively.
Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, and Sonitpur received rainfall in the “normal” range (between -19 and 19% departure). Cachar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Kokrajhar, and West Karbi Anglong recorded “excess” rainfall (20 to 59% departure). Dhemaji, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup (Metro), and Majuli reported "large excess" rainfall (60% and above departure).
The adverse weather conditions have caused widespread damage to life and property across the region. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as needed.
