At least four deaths have been reported in Guwahati following heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging, prompting authorities to launch multiple investigations, including a magisterial inquiry. Three bodies were recovered from different parts of the city on Tuesday. While officials have not conclusively linked the deaths to flooding, preliminary findings suggest they may be connected to recent artificial flood conditions.
According to police, all three individuals had been missing since Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Balin Deuri said the bodies were recovered from the Basistha River, Mora Bharalu River, and a pond near Lachitgarh. Two of the deceased have been identified. Akhtar Ali (28), a specially abled person suffering from epilepsy, was found in the Basistha River. He had gone missing from Hatigaon Notboma on April 19. Another victim, Asim Kalita from Datalpara, was recovered from the Mora Bharalu River in Jyotikuchi.
The third body, recovered from a pond near Lachitgarh, remains unidentified. The individual was reportedly wearing a shirt marked “Mittal.” In a separate but related incident, Payel Nath Das (32), a resident of Dharapur, died after being swept away by an overflowing drain at Maligaon Chariali during intense rainfall on Sunday night—bringing the total death toll to four. Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Swapnaneel Paul confirmed that the bodies were recovered from Bharalu River and a pond in Pamohi, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes. Meanwhile, the Assam government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Maligaon death. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, directing the District Commissioner to fix responsibility.
Officials stated that “incidents resulting in loss of life due to preventable causes are unacceptable and will be dealt with firmly.”
Authorities have also issued directions to key agencies including the India Meteorological Department, Assam State Disaster Management Authority, and District Disaster Management Authority to provide timely weather forecasts and advisories. The National Highways Authority of India has been tasked with ensuring round-the-clock deployment for clearing drainage systems and operating pumps in critical stretches such as Tetelia–Jalukbari, Excel Care–Gorchuk, and Jorabat–Khanapara. Urban bodies like the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Water Resources Department have been directed to remain on 24×7 alert to tackle waterlogging in vulnerable areas including Anil Nagar, Lachit Nagar, and Rukmini Nagar.
The Public Works Department (Roads) has also been instructed to carry out extensive debilitation, especially along GS Road near Bhangagarh. The review followed cloudburst-like rainfall, with some areas recording around 120 mm of rain within a few hours, leading to widespread flooding, disruption of daily life, and public hardship. With more rainfall expected residents—particularly in landslide-prone areas—have been advised to remain cautious. Authorities stated that all departments are working in coordination to restore normalcy.