At least 34 dead in India’s northeast as heavy floods trigger landslides and evacuations

At least 34 people have died in India’s northeast following days of torrential rains that triggered devastating floods and landslides, while thousands remain stranded as rescue operations intensify.

Severe flooding and landslides across India’s northeastern states have left at least 34 people dead over the past four days, according to authorities and media reports on Monday. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, heightening fears of additional devastation.

In the Himalayan state of Sikkim, more than 1,000 stranded tourists were being evacuated on Monday, according to a government statement. Meanwhile, the Indian Army deployed rescue teams to neighbouring Meghalaya state to assist over 500 people trapped in flood-hit zones.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, similar weather patterns have caused at least four deaths in a landslide that struck the northeastern district of Sylhet. Hundreds of emergency shelters have been opened across the hill regions of Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari to accommodate displaced families.

Both India’s northeast and Bangladesh are prone to intense monsoon rains, which often trigger deadly flash floods and landslides. Authorities in both countries have issued warnings, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and prepare for potential evacuations.

In the Indian state of Assam, the city of Silchar has been particularly hard-hit. Visuals from local news agency ANI showed waterlogged homes, flooded roads, and uprooted trees strewn across city streets.

“We are facing a lot of challenges. I have a child, their bed is submerged in water. What will we do in such a situation? We keep ourselves awake throughout the night,” Silchar resident Sonu Devi told ANI.

Emergency response teams across the region are battling difficult conditions, including blocked roads and rising water levels, to deliver aid and evacuate those trapped.

The situation remains fluid, with forecasters predicting continued rainfall and potential for further landslides across hilly terrain. Authorities are closely monitoring the region and have pledged to step up relief efforts in the days ahead.

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