NuzTube INDIA
The arrival of the southwest monsoon, typically a welcomed event for its economic benefits, has this year brought devastation to northeastern India, with deadly consequences. Though the monsoon’s arrival in Kerala marked the seasonal beginning with the Arabian Sea branch, the Bay of Bengal branch made its forceful landfall shortly after, wreaking havoc across several northeastern states.
This year’s monsoon onset has already claimed at least 52 lives due to a combination of landslides, floods, flash floods, and lightning incidents across the region. On May 31 alone, 22 people were killed, adding to a growing toll of 30 deaths reported by May 29.
Assam and Tripura Bear the Brunt
Assam, frequently at the receiving end of monsoon destruction, saw 10 major rivers breach their danger-level marks. As of June 1, over 3 lakh residents across 19 districts have been impacted by floods. Vital infrastructure—roads, bridges, and communication lines—has been submerged, cutting off many villages and towns.
In Tripura, persistent downpours drenched multiple districts over the weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for extremely heavy rainfall across the state for the rest of the week. Emergency services are overstretched, and disaster response forces are conducting round-the-clock rescue operations.
North Sikkim: Tourists Stranded, Tragedy Unfolds
The scenic hills of North Sikkim, popular with tourists, have become scenes of panic and chaos. Around 1,500 tourists remain marooned as key arterial roads have been blocked due to landslides triggered by relentless rainfall.
In a particularly tragic incident, a bus carrying passengers plunged into the swollen Teesta River, resulting in the confirmed deaths of two individuals, while others onboard are still missing. Search operations are ongoing, hindered by adverse weather and terrain.
IMD Forecast and the Monsoon Paradox
Despite this devastation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the northeastern states might receive below-normal rainfall this season. However, this does not equate to safety.
Unlike other Indian states, the northeast has a much higher monsoon base level, meaning that even a deficit year can bring torrential rains and large-scale flooding. The region is also prone to a second monsoon phase between October and December, compounding its exposure to extreme weather events year-round.
Infrastructure Woes and Long-Term Concerns
Part of the destruction owes itself not just to nature, but to a chronic infrastructure gap. Roads, bridges, and flood protection systems in states like Assam, Sikkim, and Tripura have not kept pace with national development levels. Geographic challenges, such as mountainous terrain and remote hamlets, make rapid response difficult—but not impossible.
Experts argue that India needs a region-specific disaster mitigation plan for the northeast. Despite repeated disasters, no comprehensive, sustainable strategy exists to safeguard life and property across these vulnerable states.
“With a monsoon expected to be ‘above normal,’ it’s essential that state and central governments collaborate on proactive infrastructure investments and emergency preparedness,” said a senior climate expert.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Unpredictable
With just the beginning of June behind us, the forecasted ‘above normal’ monsoon is likely to bring more extreme weather events. Emergency teams are urging citizens in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid travel, and follow all government advisories.
Relief materials are being distributed in affected districts, and makeshift shelters have been set up for evacuees. However, without long-term planning, these measures may continue to offer only short-term relief.
As climate change continues to alter traditional monsoon patterns, regions like northeast India stand at the frontlines of unpredictability and vulnerability. The current crisis is a reminder that celebrating the arrival of the monsoon must be accompanied by an urgent review of how prepared we truly are.
Note : NuzTube INDIA has not written this article. This article is from a syndicate feed.
