Assam-Meghalaya Road Severed as NH-17 Washed Away
The fury of the monsoon has left a trail of devastation across Northeast India, with over 30 lives lost and vital infrastructure crippled. One of the most severe impacts has been the destruction of National Highway 17 (NH-17), which served as a crucial road link between Assam and Meghalaya. Heavy rains and flash floods have washed away key portions of the highway, cutting off essential road connectivity in the region.
NH-17 Damage Cuts Off Guwahati-Tura Link
The most catastrophic damage was reported near the Shingra Reserve Forest in Boko, about 70 kilometers from Guwahati. Here, a newly constructed section of NH-17 collapsed under the sheer force of floodwaters, stranding heavy trucks and disrupting all vehicular movement. Smaller vehicles are now being forced to reroute through Bongaigaon, significantly increasing travel time.
In Chaygaon, the Kalahi river overflowed and swept away both sides of a crucial bridge on Friday evening. Kamrup Deputy Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra visited the affected sites to assess the destruction and coordinate emergency measures.
Over 30 Dead in Five States Amid Monsoon Fury
The widespread destruction is not limited to Assam. Torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram. At least 32 people have died across these five states in the last 24 hours. Assam alone reported nine deaths, including five in Guwahati due to landslides.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that 12 districts have been affected, with more than 60,000 residents impacted by the floods. Arunachal Pradesh recorded seven deaths, primarily due to a vehicle being swept away by floodwaters. Several districts in Meghalaya and Mizoram have also reported casualties.
Relief Operations and Continued Rain Forecast
Relief and rescue operations have been launched across the affected regions. In Assam, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire services are working to evacuate stranded residents and deliver essential supplies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall over the weekend. With rivers flowing above danger levels, the region remains on high alert.
Infrastructure Resilience Under Scrutiny
The collapse of NH-17 and repeated damage to critical infrastructure highlight the vulnerability of the Northeast to climate-related disasters. The incident has renewed calls for climate-resilient planning and infrastructure development in one of India’s most rain-sensitive regions.
