Guwahati Reels Under Record April Deluge: One Fatality Reported
Normal life in Guwahati was severely disrupted on Monday following torrential overnight rains that triggered widespread flooding across the Assam capital. The downpour left roads submerged, homes inundated, and traffic completely paralyzed, creating chaos throughout the city.
Historic Rainfall Figures Shatter Previous Records
According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Guwahati received an unprecedented 117.4 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period. This measurement represents the highest single-day rainfall ever recorded for the month of April since 1951, surpassing the previous record of 116.5 mm set back in 2004.
Several specific locations within the city recorded even more staggering precipitation levels:
- Khanapara's SIRD Complex: 215.9 mm
- Gauhati University: 134 mm
- Guwahati city ARG: 126.5 mm
Tragic Incident Claims Life Amidst Flooding Chaos
In a tragic development, a woman lost her life after reportedly slipping and falling into an open drain in the Maligaon area on Sunday night. The deceased has been identified as Payel Nath. Rescue operations conducted by teams from the Guwahati City Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully located her body approximately 150 meters downstream from the spot where the incident occurred.
Extensive Waterlogging Cripples Multiple Neighborhoods
The heavy rainfall that persisted through Sunday night and into early Monday morning resulted in severe waterlogging across numerous areas of Guwahati. Affected localities included Maligaon, Rukminigaon, Rukmini Nagar, Survey-Wireless, Anil Nagar, VIP Road, Jorabat, Rajgarh, Hatigaon, and Zoo Road. In several of these neighborhoods, water levels rose to chest height, making movement extremely difficult for residents.
In response to the dangerous conditions, the Kamrup Metro district administration issued orders for the closure of all government and private educational institutions within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation area on Monday. This precautionary measure was implemented specifically in the interest of public safety.
Weather Forecast Predicts Continued Inclement Conditions
The IMD has issued forecasts indicating that inclement weather is likely to persist over Assam for the next two to three days. Meteorological predictions suggest heavy to very heavy rainfall across various parts of the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h in certain areas.
Authorities on High Alert, Issue Safety Advisories
City authorities are maintaining close surveillance of the developing situation, with emergency response systems remaining on high alert. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued urgent advisories urging residents to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant during this period of extreme weather.
The ASDMA statement specifically cautioned: "Daily commuters and long-distance travellers are requested to plan their routines accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents in low-lying and hillside areas should stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides."
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely as Guwahati grapples with the aftermath of this historic rainfall event and prepares for potentially more challenging weather conditions in the coming days.
