Assam minister urges caution as Guwahati reels under flash flood impact
Guwahati, April 20
Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Monday appealed for public cooperation and heightened vigilance as several parts of Guwahati continued to grapple with severe waterlogging following intense overnight rainfall.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the minister said that heavy and unexpected rainfall from Sunday evening to late night led to widespread flooding across key areas of the city, severely disrupting normal life.
Roads in multiple localities were inundated, causing major traffic snarls and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
"In the wake of unprecedented rainfall since last evening, many parts of Guwahati have been submerged, affecting normal day-to-day activities. Authorities are working round the clock to bring the situation under control. We urge citizens to remain alert and extend their cooperation," he said in a statement.
According to officials, major roads and low-lying areas bore the brunt of the flooding, with water levels rising significantly in several pockets.
Key stretches, including parts of the city's arterial routes, were submerged, impacting vehicular movement and public transport services. Two-wheelers and smaller vehicles were among the worst affected.
The district administration, citing public safety concerns, ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the Guwahati Municipal Corporation area for the day. The directive covers both government and private schools and colleges.
Authorities said the decision was taken after hours of intense downpour left large sections of the city waterlogged, bringing routine activities to a halt.
Emergency response teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to clear clogged drains and restore normalcy.
The situation also exposed the city's recurring vulnerability to heavy pre-monsoon showers, with concerns once again being raised over drainage infrastructure.
Several areas continued to remain waterlogged on Monday morning, posing risks to residents and commuters alike.
Officials have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution in flood-affected zones. The administration said it is closely monitoring water levels and weather conditions, adding that further decisions will be taken based on the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, restoration work is ongoing as authorities race against time to ease the impact of the flooding.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My brother was stuck on GS Road for over 3 hours. It's a nightmare for commuters, especially those on two-wheelers. Glad they closed the schools, safety first. But the real question is, what long-term solution is being planned? Band-aid fixes won't work anymore.
Respect to the emergency teams working round the clock. It's easy to criticize, but they are out there in difficult conditions. Hope everyone stays safe and avoids unnecessary travel. Jai Hind.
Visiting from the US and witnessing this. The intensity of the rain was unbelievable. It highlights how climate change is causing extreme weather events everywhere. My heart goes out to all affected. Stay strong, Guwahati.
The problem is unchecked construction and clogged natural drains. We keep filling up wetlands to build apartments and malls, then act surprised when there's no place for the water to go. Need sustainable urban planning, not just reactive measures.
Our colony in Bharalu area is like a lake. The water has entered several ground-floor homes. This is not just an inconvenience, it's a public health crisis waiting to happen. Where is the desilting work that was promised before the rains? 🤔
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.