AIZAWL/SILCHAR/ITANAGAR/AGARTALA/IMPHAL, May 31— At least 19 people have lost their lives and dozens more are feared trapped after relentless rainfall triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across five northeastern states of India over the past three days. With roads washed away, homes destroyed, and more than 12,000 people displaced, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh remain the worst hit.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several areas, forecasting continued downpours into the first week of June.
Mizoram: Buildings Collapse in Lawngtlai, 8 Feared Trapped
In Lawngtlai, southern Mizoram, a massive landslide late Friday night brought down three buildings in the Chanmary commercial area, reportedly burying several occupants. “There was a loud rumble just before the landslide, and about 15 people from the hotel managed to escape in time,” said Elvis Lalthangzuala of the Young Lai Association (YLA), which is leading local rescue efforts.
One of the buildings housed Myanmarese refugees. Two injured victims have been pulled from the debris so far, but eight others are feared trapped. Constant rainfall and limited equipment continue to slow down rescue operations. The 3rd Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police is assisting in the effort.
The landslide has also blocked National Highway-54, cutting off Lawngtlai from Siaha, the state’s southernmost district.
Assam: 5 Dead in Kamrup, Over 12,000 Hit by Urban Floods
In Assam, landslides in Kamrup Metro district killed five people while over 12,000 residents across five districts have been affected by urban flooding. Guwahati and Silchar are among the worst-hit cities, with rapid waterlogging and infrastructure collapse disrupting normal life.
“Five revenue circles in three districts including Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, and Cachar have been affected,” said an official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. Relief camps have been set up and the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed to assist in evacuations.
Rainfall in Guwahati over the past 24 hours measured between 90 mm and 134 mm. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cited rainfall in neighboring Meghalaya as a major contributing factor. “I’ll soon meet Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma to address cross-border weather impacts,” Sarma stated.
With the IMD warning of continued heavy rain, the state government announced special leave for most employees on Saturday and urged private schools to prepare for worsening weather.
Arunachal Pradesh: 9 Killed, Entire Families Swept Away
Arunachal Pradesh reported nine deaths due to landslides in two districts. Seven people en route to Seppa died when a landslide buried their vehicle on National Highway-13 in East Kameng district. All bodies were recovered by Friday morning.
“It is very painful to hear about the tragic loss… My heartfelt condolences,” said state home minister Mama Natung, urging residents to avoid travel through landslide-prone areas at night.
In Lower Subansiri district, two laborers died in a landslide near the Pine Grove area on the Ziro-Kamle road. Elsewhere, flash floods in Upper Subansiri district affected over 100 families after the Sigin river overflowed, inundating localities such as Sigin-I, Sinyik Colony, and Tikre Colony.
The district administration issued advisories urging people to avoid low-lying areas. The IMD has forecast heavy rain until at least June 5, flagging a high risk of flash floods in East Kameng, East Siang, Dibang Valley, and West Kameng districts.
With major highways blocked, dozens injured, and thousands displaced, state and national disaster response teams are racing against time. However, continued rain, crumbling infrastructure, and limited access to remote areas remain critical challenges.
The IMD’s red alerts and flood warnings underscore the urgent need for precaution. “We are on high alert and monitoring the situation closely,” said a senior disaster management official.
Rescue efforts continue as northeastern India faces one of its worst monsoon onslaughts in recent years.
