Persistent heavy rainfall worsened flooding across Northeast India on Sunday, particularly in Assam’s Dhemaji district. A railway bridge between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations suffered damage from riverbank erosion, halting train operations. The Northeast Frontier Railway noted that one pier became unstable due to the erosion, though no trains or passengers were harmed as services had already been paused.
Train movement remains suspended on the Murkongselek–Silapathar section. Services on this route are being short-terminated or short-originated at Silapathar. Buses have been provided for passengers between Murkongselek and Silapathar, with assistance desks set up at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek stations.
Flooding has impacted nearly 16,000 residents across 69 villages in four revenue circles of Dhemaji district, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. Relief and rescue efforts continue in the area.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government is monitoring the situation closely and deploying all resources for immediate relief and future rehabilitation. He instructed Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta to stay in Dhemaji to oversee operations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Sikkim, confirming full central support for flood and landslide response. National and state disaster response forces, fire services and local teams are conducting rescue and relief work.
In Arunachal Pradesh, earlier heavy rain caused flash floods and landslides that cut road links. Thirty people, including tourists and patients, were airlifted from affected zones, while searches continue for four missing individuals in Keyi Panyor district.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu reviewed rescue coordination. Fourteen tourists were flown from Ziro to Naharlagun and eleven more plus one patient from Daporijo. The Indian Air Force and state aviation department completed five helicopter sorties, and blocked roads including near Possa Bridge were cleared.
The India Meteorological Department had issued red alerts for five districts warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours. Residents were advised to limit travel. Current forecasts indicate continued heavy rain across parts of the Northeast, requiring ongoing vigilance for flooding, landslides and service disruptions.
