Life in Assam’s capital came to a virtual standstill on Thursday as relentless heavy rains flooded peripheral roads and residential areas, leaving commuters stranded and daily activities disrupted. The downpour, which lasted for several hours in the afternoon, submerged major thoroughfares and minor lanes, creating traffic snarls across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, heightening concerns about further flooding.
Several areas, including Zoo Road, RG Baruah Road, GS Road, Nabin Nagar, Anil Nagar, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, Gita Nagar, Maligaon, Hedayetpur, Ulubari, Lachit Nagar, Chandmari, Panjabari, Jorabat, Jyotikuchi, Ghoramara, VIP Road, Rajgarh Road, Rukmini Gaon, Survey, and Chatribari, bore the brunt of the deluge. Residents reported knee-to-chest-deep water in streets and hundreds of homes inundated. Numerous vehicles broke down in submerged stretches, while sections of National Highway-27 saw dozens of vehicles stranded amid severe waterlogging.
Authorities deployed inflatable rubber boats to rescue residents trapped in flooded areas. Schools delayed bus services to safeguard students during ongoing half-yearly examinations. Commuters faced extreme difficulties as short trips stretched into hours, with waterlogged roads and intermittent power outages aggravating the situation. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) advised citizens to remain vigilant as rainfall could reach up to 6 cm in the next 24 hours. Emergency teams are on standby, closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts.