Tragedy Strikes Guwahati: Mother and Children Among Victims
Guwahati, Assam: The state of Assam is reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rain as landslides in Kamrup (Metro) district—which includes the city of Guwahati—claimed the lives of at least five people, including children, in the past 24 hours.
One of the most heartbreaking incidents took place in the Bonda area of Guwahati on Friday evening, where a mother, Poonam Goswami, her minor daughter, and another young relative lost their lives when a landslide struck their residence. Authorities have confirmed that all five victims died on the spot due to debris and collapse caused by the sudden landslide.
Flood Situation Worsens Across Assam
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three districts—Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Cachar—are currently facing severe urban flooding, affecting more than 10,150 people.
The situation is especially alarming as water levels continue to rise, overwhelming local drainage systems and cutting off access to several residential areas. Continuous rainfall since Saturday morning has only added to the misery.
In addition to urban floods, three more districts—Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat—along with eight revenue circles, have been affected by rural flooding, increasing the threat to both life and infrastructure.
Disaster Response in Action
Relief and rescue efforts are underway. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the worst-affected districts.
Emergency shelters are being set up for those displaced by landslides and floods. Locals are being advised to stay indoors and move to safer areas wherever necessary.
VIDEO | Assam: Heavy rainfall causes severe waterlogging in several areas of Guwahati.#Assamrains #GuwahatiRains
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 31, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/mDP0hrKG6F
Why Are Landslides and Floods Increasing in Assam?
Experts and environmentalists are raising red flags about the growing frequency and intensity of such disasters in Assam. The likely causes include:
Climate change and unpredictable monsoon patterns
Deforestation and unplanned urban development
Illegal hill cutting and poor drainage infrastructure
A recent poll shows that public opinion is divided between climate change and human activities like deforestation as the main drivers behind these recurring tragedies.
IMD Forecast: More Rain Ahead
In a related update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that Kerala witnessed its earliest monsoon arrival since 2009, and above-normal rainfall is expected in 2025. This suggests that the northeastern states like Assam may continue to face heavy rain and weather-related challenges in the months ahead.
Final Thoughts
This tragic Assam landslide news is a stark reminder of the need for disaster-resilient infrastructure, better environmental regulation, and community awareness. As rainfall continues, authorities urge citizens to remain alert and report any early signs of landslides or waterlogging.
