Guwahati, July 20: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Monday urged residents of Guwahati to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant in the wake of the three-day heavy rainfall/thunderstorm forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
“The present weather pattern suggests that owing to current meteorological conditions and monsoon scenario in the state, the city may also face moderate to heavy rainfall (6-12 cm/24 hours) across the city, which may aggravate waterlogging, flooding, flash floods, slow vehicular movement, and increase the risk of localised landslides in vulnerable pockets,” a statement issued by ASDMA said.
The Kamrup Metro district authority and ASDMA are closely monitoring the situation while emergency response systems are being kept on alert.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kamrup Metro, has also been requested to be prepared with all necessary response mechanisms.
‘In view of the situation, people of Guwahati city have to remain vigilant. The daily commuters and long-distance travellers are requested to plan their routines accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents in low-lying and hillside areas should stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides,” it stated.
The ASDMA further requested the local authorities also to allow their employees to work from their homes, if possible, in view of the weather forecast issued by IMD.
“The status of the situation would be updated by ASDMA on its official website, https://asdma.assam.gov.in/resource/assam-weatherforecast, and on all its social media handles, from time to time for general awareness. Hence, people are requested to stay tuned to official weather updates and follow advisories issued by local authorities to ensure safety during this prolonged spell of rain,” it said.
Meanwhile, according to a media report, four of a family were injured in a landslide, triggered by heavy rain, in the Kharguli area of Guwahati. An official confirmation, however, is awaited.
Notably, many flood-prone areas of the city have been inundated on Monday after heavy overnight rain, posing hardships for commuters.
Landslide advisory
Landslides have been reported in the following from some vulnerable areas under Guwahati revenue circle of Kamrup Metropolitan district. They include the Kamakhya main road beyond Prashanti Lodge; Kamakhya Colony near Ganesh mandir; Paschim Kamakhya gaon near water tanker; Pandu temple ghat and Madhavdevnagar, Maligaon.
“Therefore, residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel in the hilly areas of Kamrup Metropolitan district especially in the vicinity of Maligaon and Pandu areas.
“Also, the traffic flow to Kamakhya temple may be regulated owing to recurrent landslide incidents in Kamakhya temple main road which may delay the darshan of devotees. In case of any assistance required for flood and landslide the DDMA Control Room number 9365429314 may be contacted,” an ASDMA advisory said.
