Weather update, July 29: As the monsoon season continues to unleash its fury over the Indian subcontinent, northeastern states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The recent formation of low-pressure regions over the Bay of Bengal has heightened rainfall activity in the eastern and northeastern parts of India, leading to concerns about the impact on these vulnerable regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for Northeast India, indicating that the region will experience light to moderate rainfall from Friday to Tuesday (July 28 to August 1). In some areas, heavy showers are expected, with rainfall amounts ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm. Moreover, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are likely to face very heavy downpours, with rainfall exceeding 115.6 mm up to 204.5 mm on Friday.
The incessant rains have put the northeastern sister states on high alert, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow watch, urging residents to stay updated about weather conditions. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for flash floods in certain watersheds and neighborhoods of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya in the next 24 hours. The risk of surface runoff and inundation in fully saturated soils and low-lying areas is also significant.
Also Read: Assam Floods: Central Team Conducts On-Spot Assessment, Urges Prompt Action for Relief and Restoration
Despite the recent major flooding in Assam, the overall rainfall performance in the northeastern region has been lackluster this month. Arunachal Pradesh recorded near-normal rainfall, but the combined subdivisions of Assam and Meghalaya received only 311 mm of rainfall, which is 37% less than their average of 493 mm. Similarly, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura experienced a rainfall deficit of 31%, accumulating only 212 mm compared to the usual 306 mm for this period.
The situation raises concerns about the impact of the delayed monsoon rains on agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods in the region. As floods and heavy rainfall disrupt daily life, the affected communities face challenges in accessing basic necessities and suffer damage to crops and infrastructure.
To address these challenges and mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters, there is an urgent need for proactive measures and comprehensive disaster management strategies. Government authorities and disaster response agencies must work together to improve early warning systems, enhance evacuation plans, and provide timely relief and aid to affected communities.
Furthermore, it is essential to invest in resilient infrastructure, including flood control mechanisms, embankments, and drainage systems, to minimize the damage caused by heavy rainfall and floods. Sustainable land-use planning and ecological conservation measures can also play a vital role in reducing the impact of floods and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region.
Local communities also play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response. Community-based initiatives for flood management, including the establishment of community flood shelters and training in disaster response, can empower residents to better cope with emergencies.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and floods. As such, there is a need for a comprehensive and adaptive approach to address the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.
The ongoing heavy rainfall in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh calls for concerted efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the region. Through collaborative action, timely response, and sustainable planning, the states can build resilience and ensure the well-being of their residents in the face of monsoon-related challenges.
