At least 30 dead in Northeast India as heavy rains trigger landslides and floods

At least 30 people have lost their lives over the past two days due to severe landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall across the region, with Assam and Arunachal Pradesh among the worst affected states.

More than 60,000 people have been impacted by the deluge, with many displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.

On Friday, 14 fatalities were reported five in Assam and nine in Arunachal Pradesh. A tragic incident in East Kameng district saw a vehicle swept away by a landslide, killing seven people, including members of two families.

In North Sikkim, nearly 1,500 tourists have been stranded after landslides blocked key routes. Rescue operations were hindered by rising water levels in the Teesta River, forcing officials to suspend the search for eight missing tourists.

The missing were part of a group of 11 tourists whose vehicle plunged over 1,000 feet into the river near Munsithang along the Lachen-Lachung highway on Thursday night. One person died, and two survivors, identified as Swayam Supratim Nayak and Sairaj Jena from Odisha, are being treated in Gangtok’s STNM Hospital.

Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia reported that 115 tourists are stranded in Lachen, and 1,350 in Lachung. With roads blocked in multiple locations, tourists have been advised to remain in their hotels until conditions improve.

Power supply was restored Saturday evening, while efforts to resume water services and communications are ongoing. Heavy rainfall and a possible cloudburst have significantly swollen the Teesta River, further complicating rescue efforts.

No new tourist permits are being issued for North Sikkim, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Assam, and orange alerts for Arunachal Pradesh, with additional alerts across Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram.