An intense spell of thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains plunged Guwahati into darkness early Monday morning, throwing normal life completely out of gear. The sudden weather disturbance led to widespread power outages, severe waterlogging, and major traffic snarls across the city, just as residents were stepping out for their daily routines. The downpour, which began before dawn, was accompanied by strong gusts of wind, uprooting trees, damaging electricity poles, and snapping power lines in several parts of the city. Large swathes of Guwahati, including residential and commercial areas, were left without electricity for hours, adding to the commuters’ woes. Several neighborhoods, particularly in areas such as Ganeshguri, Beltola, Zoo Road, and Maligaon, reported complete blackouts and waterlogged streets. Office-goers and schoolchildren were left stranded in long traffic jams as submerged roads slowed down vehicles and forced many to seek alternate routes.
“It was like the entire city woke up to chaos. There was no electricity, and the roads were flooded. It took me nearly two hours to reach my office, which usually takes just 30 minutes,” said Anupam Das, a daily commuter from Kahilipara. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert early in the morning, predicting that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms would continue to lash Guwahati and its adjoining areas for the next few hours. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid waterlogged areas, given the risk of accidents and further infrastructure damage. Emergency response teams from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) were deployed to clear fallen trees, repair power lines, and manage clogged drains. However, the restoration work was hampered by continuous rainfall and difficult conditions on the ground.
As of the latest update, the situation remained grim, with several parts of the city still grappling with power cuts and slow-moving traffic. The city’s drainage systems, already under pressure due to the early onset of the monsoon-like rains, struggled to cope, raising concerns about the preparedness for the coming rainy season. Markets in areas like Paltan Bazar, Fancy Bazar, and Six Mile saw low footfall as many shops remained shut or opened late due to the prevailing conditions. Residents expressed frustration over repeated infrastructure failures every time heavy rain hits the city.