Guwahati, April 20: Heavy rainfall lashed Guwahati on Sunday evening, triggering widespread waterlogging across several parts of the city, disrupting normal life, affecting traffic movement, and forcing authorities to close educational institutions as a precautionary measure. The downpour also claimed the life of a woman who reportedly fell into an open drain in Maligaon.
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| Floodwaters inundate a major road in Guwahati after heavy rainfall on April 19, causing severe waterlogging, traffic disruption, and prompting authorities to close schools across the city. |
Several low-lying areas were inundated as rainwater accumulated rapidly on roads, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving commuters stranded for hours. Localities including Hatigaon, Anil Nagar, Maligaon, Beltola, GS Road, Chandmari, Zoo Road, and Nabin Nagar were among the worst affected, with roads submerged under floodwater and vehicles moving at a snail's pace.
Residents reported flash floods in many neighbourhoods after the city's drainage system failed to cope with the intense rainfall. Water entered residential areas and commercial establishments in some localities, while pedestrians struggled to navigate flooded streets. The recurring waterlogging once again highlighted Guwahati's long-standing urban drainage challenges during the monsoon season.
Tragedy struck in Maligaon, where a woman reportedly lost her life after accidentally falling into a drain amid the heavy rain. The incident has raised fresh concerns over public safety and the need for better protection around open drains during extreme weather events.
In view of the worsening situation, the Kamrup Metropolitan District Administration ordered the closure of all government and private schools and colleges within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) area on April 20. The directive, issued by the District Commissioner, was aimed at ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff, as many roads remained submerged and transportation was severely affected.
Officials said the decision was taken after heavy rainfall caused significant flooding across multiple parts of the city, making commuting hazardous. Authorities have begun monitoring the situation and are expected to assess the extent of the damage once floodwaters recede.
The latest spell of rain has once again drawn attention to Guwahati's recurring urban flooding problem, prompting renewed calls for improved drainage infrastructure and long-term flood mitigation measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
