Four Dead, 18 Injured as Severe Weather Hits Assam

Assam has been grappling with the aftermath of cyclone Remal, leading to the tragic loss of four lives, including a woman, and causing injuries to 18 others in separate incidents on Tuesday. The state witnessed heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, disrupting normal life and infrastructure. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, currently in Odisha for the Lok Sabha poll campaign, highlighted that adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in several districts including Nagaon, Hojai, West Karbi Anglong, and others, forecasting very heavy rainfall and squally wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/hour.

The casualties included Mintu Talukdar from Kamrup Metropolitan district, who succumbed to injuries after a tree fell on his house. Labanya Kumari lost her life in Gauhati Medical College Hospital following an incident where a tree fell on her. The incessant rain also triggered a landslide at the NHPC's Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power project site in Lakhimpur district, claiming the life of Putul Gogoi. Additionally, Kausik Bordoloi Amphi, a 17-year-old college student, was killed in Morigaon district when a tree fell on the auto-rickshaw he was travelling in.

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Sarma has directed Chief Secretary Ravi Kota to assess the situation and ensure that relief and rehabilitation efforts are effectively implemented. He also urged citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and assured that the state machinery is actively monitoring and responding to the situation. The Chief Minister's concern was also reflected in his posts on X, where he expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized ongoing efforts for restoration and relief.

Reports from across Assam have detailed extensive damage to houses, power infrastructure, and uprooted trees. The disaster response force along with fire service, police, health, and forest officials are engaged in restorative efforts. Flash floods in Karimganj district have put the local administration on high alert. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued various alerts across the state, with schools and educational institutions in certain districts ordered to remain closed till May 29.

Chief Secretary Ravi Kota conducted a video conference with district commissioners to assess damages and coordinate precautionary measures. Immediate relief is being provided to affected families, and inspections are underway at passenger ferry ghats to ensure safety measures are in place. Ferry services have been halted in several districts as a precaution.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall across Assam due to the cyclone's impact. The ASDMA has advised residents to avoid vulnerable structures and water-logged areas while urging them to stock essential items and contact authorities in case of emergencies. With road connectivity between Haflong and Cachar affected due to landslides, traffic movement is restricted in certain areas, highlighting the extensive challenges faced by the state in the wake of cyclone Remal.