Heavy rain is expected to continue across Assam over the next two to three days, with Guwahati already recording over 110 mm of rainfall in several areas on Tuesday, May 20. The city is grappling with severe waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and daily life thrown into disarray as persistent showers lash the region.
Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official updates as more rain could trigger further waterlogging, traffic delays, and even landslides in vulnerable areas.
“Heavy rain is expected in Assam over the next 2-3 days. Guwahati City has already recorded over 110 mm in several areas. More rain may lead to waterlogging, traffic delays and landslides. Authorities are on alert. Advice- Stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates,” the CMO Assam wrote on X.
On Tuesday morning, Guwahati woke up to a now-familiar sight – submerged streets, snarled traffic, and weary commuters navigating knee-deep water. Overnight rainfall inundated large parts of the city, including flood-prone localities like Chandmari, Rukminigaon, Dakhingaon, Kahilipara, Survey, Nabin Nagar, and Anil Nagar. Traffic came to a near standstill in several of these areas.
The situation was so dire that Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah was seen riding a two-wheeler to access and inspect waterlogged zones. “The drains are slowly clearing, but a massive volume of water flowing in from Meghalaya has inundated several areas, especially GS Road, Rukminigaon, Wireless, Hatigaon, and nearby localities. Chandmari hasn’t been hit as hard,” Baruah told reporters.
He added that one of the ministry’s immediate concerns is diverting the inflow from Tripura Road, which is channelling water from Meghalaya into city areas.
The Minister also acknowledged the structural and geographic challenges Guwahati faces. “This city’s unplanned growth and difficult terrain make it prone to flooding. Without a proper flushing system, these problems can’t be resolved overnight,” he said.
With rainfall showing no signs of letting up, officials remain on high alert to manage the evolving situation and prevent further damage.
