IMD predicts fresh spell of heavy rainfall across Assam

Guwahati, July 30 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Assam and several northeastern states over the next three to four days, raising concerns over flooding, flash floods, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable areas, an official said on Thursday.

According to the IMD, widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely between July 30 and August 1 across parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

The weather system developing over the neighbouring states is expected to influence several districts in Upper Assam, increasing the risk of runoff and inundation.

An orange alert has been issued for Tinsukia district in Assam. Similar alerts have also been sounded for Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland, where heavy rainfall is likely to generate significant runoff that may affect the adjoining Assam districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.

The weather office has also predicted heavy rainfall over several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, including East Siang, Lohit, Namsai, Longding, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri and Lower Dibang Valley.

Runoff from these areas could impact Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam.

The IMD said many parts of the affected districts in Arunachal Pradesh are likely to receive widespread rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm per day, while isolated places, particularly Papumpare district, may witness very heavy rainfall between 12 cm and 20 cm.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) warned that the fresh spell of rain could worsen the flood situation in some areas and lead to urban waterlogging, flash floods, disruption of road traffic and localised landslides, especially in hilly and vulnerable regions.

Following the forecast, ASDMA said all district administrations have been put on alert and instructed to closely monitor the situation.

The authority urged residents, particularly those living in low-lying flood-prone areas and hill slopes, to remain cautious, avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall and strictly follow advisories issued by the IMD and local administration.

–IANS

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