The northeastern region of India is grappling with one of the most severe flood crises in recent years, as relentless monsoon rains have unleashed devastating floods and landslides across multiple states. Over eight lakh people have been affected, with at least 36 confirmed fatalities and widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
States including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim bear the brunt of this calamity. Assam remains the worst-hit, with more than 5.6 lakh people impacted and critical areas such as the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary submerged under water. Arunachal Pradesh has reported over 3,000 affected residents and multiple casualties, while Manipur faces severe disruption with thousands displaced and essential services like power and potable water severely affected. Sikkim’s situation is dire as well, with landslides causing military casualties and stranding tourists, necessitating large-scale rescue operations by the Indian Air Force and Army.
The geography and climate of Northeast India make it particularly vulnerable to such disasters. The region’s hilly terrain and steep slopes accelerate runoff during heavy rains, triggering flash floods and landslides. The Brahmaputra, Barak, and their tributaries frequently overflow, exacerbated by deforestation and land-use changes that reduce natural water absorption. Moreover, climate change has intensified the monsoon’s unpredictability, increasing the frequency and severity of flooding events.
In response, coordinated efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), Indian Armed Forces and local administrations have been swift and extensive. Operation Jal Rahat-II exemplifies this, with over 1,560 civilians rescued across the affected states and relief camps established to provide food, shelter, and medical aid. State governments have opened hundreds of relief camps, distributing essential supplies such as rice, dal, salt, hygiene kits and mosquito nets to mitigate health risks arising from water stagnation and displacement.
Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster demands a renewed focus on long-term mitigation strategies. Infrastructure repair, especially of roads and embankments, must be expedited to restore connectivity and economic activity. Simultaneously, sustainable land management practices, reforestation, and improved urban planning are crucial to reduce vulnerability. Strengthening early warning systems and community awareness can save lives in future episodes.
The Northeast flood crisis is a stark reminder of the urgent need to integrate climate resilience into regional development plans. It calls for a united approach involving government agencies, civil society and local communities to build adaptive capacities against the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.
As the region recovers, the priority must be not only relief but also resilience—ensuring that the people of Northeast India are better prepared to face the fury of future monsoons with minimal loss and disruption.
This editorial underscores the gravity of the ongoing flood crisis in Northeast India, highlights the immediate response, and advocates for sustainable, long-term solutions to mitigate future disasters based on recent reports and expert assessments.
