Guwahati: The onset of June brought heavy rainfall to Assam. Silchar, the state’s second largest city, recorded an astonishing 415.8 mm of rain within 24 hours, marking the highest daily total since 1893. The rainfall on June 1 surpassed the previous record of 290.3 mm set 132 years ago.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a mix of upper-air cyclonic circulations and low-level troughs is driving the erratic weather conditions. A particularly active area stretches from central Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, associated with a trough that extends from East Uttar Pradesh.
In 2022, Silchar faced one of its most severe floods due to a breach in the dyke on the Barak River at Bethkundi. Silchar, situated just a kilometer from the dyke, was severely impacted, with 90 percent of the town submerged.
Rain Fury In Northeast
Over the past three days, at least 34 individuals have lost their lives due to floods and landslides in the northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
On May 31, Mizoram experienced rainfall that was 1,102 percent above normal levels.
Heavy rains have been recorded across Meghalaya in the last five days, from May 28 to June 1. Several districts have seen significant rainfall, with Sohra, also known as Cherrapunjee, and Mawsynram accumulating totals of 796 mm and 774.5 mm, respectively.
Other regions, such as Khliehriat, Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) Sohra, and Pynursla, have also experienced considerable rainfall, exceeding 500 mm in total.
The highest single-day rainfall was noted in RKM Sohra on May 30, with 378.4 mm, contributing to a five-day total of 993.6 mm. Likewise, Mawsynram and Pynursla recorded their peak rainfall on May 30, with over 250 mm in a single day.
In Meghalaya, 10 districts have been impacted by flash floods and landslides, affecting more than 10,000 individuals in Tripura due to flash floods.
