Flash Floods Cripple Guwahati Once Again, Exposing Deep Urban Woes
Heavy rain in the early hours of Thursday triggered severe flash floods and waterlogging across Guwahati, throwing normal life out of gear and exposing the city’s long-standing drainage and urban planning issues.
The deluge, worsened by runoff from surrounding hills—particularly from parts of Meghalaya—led to major disruptions across both residential and commercial zones. Worst-hit areas included Rukminigaon, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Beltola, Hatigaon, and Wireless, where floodwaters submerged roads and entered homes. In Rukminigaon, the situation turned critical, prompting the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to use rubber boats to rescue stranded residents.
Several other areas—such as Kahilipara, Khanapara, Jorabat, Rukmininagar and Chandmari—also reported knee- to waist-deep water, leaving vehicles stranded and residents wading through flooded streets. Traffic along the Jorabat stretch of the National Highway came to a standstill, while offices saw thin attendance and many schools shut for the day. Emergency services also struggled to reach affected locations due to blocked routes.
By afternoon, some areas like GS Road, Ambari, Chandmari, and Lachit Nagar saw slight improvement as floodwaters began to recede. However, with the weather department predicting continued rainfall for the next 48 hours, authorities remain on high alert. Residents, especially in low-lying regions, have been advised to stay indoors and follow safety protocols.
The latest episode of urban flooding once again highlights the city’s fragile drainage system and years of unplanned growth. Environmentalists and locals blame encroachments on natural wetlands like Silsako Beel, shrinking water bodies, and outdated infrastructure for the frequent flooding.
“This is not just about rain—it’s the result of years of poor planning and lack of political will,” said a resident of Anil Nagar, whose home was partially submerged. “Every monsoon, we face the same nightmare.”
City officials said that multiple response teams from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) are working round the clock to pump out water, clear clogged drains, and assist residents. “We’re doing our best to bring the situation under control,” a GMC spokesperson said.
Experts warn that unless strong corrective steps are taken—like reviving wetlands, expanding drainage capacity, and halting reckless construction—Guwahati will remain at risk. The added pressure of climate change, with its increasingly unpredictable rainfall, makes the need for long-term planning even more urgent.
As floodwaters slowly recede, one thing remains constant: the growing frustration of citizens who are left to ask the same question every year—When will Guwahati finally be flood-free?
