Guwahati logs highest April rainfall in 75 years; 1 dead, schools closed

NEW DELHI: At least one person died and normal life was disrupted in Guwahati on Monday after torrential overnight rains triggered widespread flooding, leaving roads submerged, homes inundated and traffic paralysed across the Assam capital.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Guwahati received 117.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, the highest ever recorded for a single day in April since 1951. The previous record of 116.5 mm was set in 2004.Several locations recorded even higher precipitation: Khanapara's SIRD Complex recorded 215.9 mm, Gauhati University received 134 mm, and the Guwahati city ARG recorded 126.5 mm, according to IMD data.A woman died after she reportedly slipped and fell into an open drain in the Maligaon area on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Payel Nath. Rescue teams from Guwahati City Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) located her body approximately 150 metres from the spot where she fell.Heavy rainfall through Sunday night and early Monday left several areas severely waterlogged, including Maligaon, Rukminigaon, Rukmini Nagar, Survey-Wireless, Anil Nagar, VIP Road, Jorabat, Rajgarh, Hatigaon and Zoo Road. Water levels rose to chest height in several localities.The Kamrup Metro district administration ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation area on Monday in the interest of public safety.The IMD has forecast continued inclement weather over Assam for the next two to three days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across various parts of the state. The forecast also warns of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/h in some areas.City authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with emergency response systems on alert. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has urged residents to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant."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," ASDMA said in a statement.