Guwahati: Heavy rains across India have claimed 26 lives in the state of Assam. Indian officials said at least 26 people have died this week from flooding caused by continuous heavy rains in the northeastern state of Assam. Meanwhile, the meteorological department predicted further thunderstorms and strong winds in northern and eastern areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority reported that 21 people died on Tuesday alone following severe flash floods across the state, bringing the cumulative death toll for the week to 26. The Brahmaputra River, one of the world's largest rivers, has overflowed its banks, exceeding flood warning levels in several areas. Assam regularly faces damage from rising water levels almost every year during the monsoon season.
The severe weather also impacted transportation routes, with Jammu and Kashmir traffic police reporting via the X platform that the main highway connecting Jammu and Srinagar was temporarily closed after multiple landslides. Additionally, pilgrimages to the Kedaranath Temple were suspended in some areas, and pilgrims were evacuated to safer locations after large rocks and pebbles fell and blocked the travel route.
The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rain and thunderstorms in the states of Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, authorities in Himachal Pradesh, located in the Himalayas, have issued warnings to residents to be vigilant against flash floods and landslides in several areas.