Heavy rainfall in Guwahati has wreaked havoc on the city’s infrastructure, leading to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic disruptions. The relentless downpour, which began in the early hours of April 22, 2025, brought the city to a standstill, as rainwater inundated major roads and low-lying areas. With the local drainage system overwhelmed by the volume of water, residents and commuters faced a multitude of challenges throughout the day.
As the rain continued to pour, waterlogged streets became impassable, causing traffic jams across Guwahati. Key areas such as Beltola, Zoo Road, and G.S. Road experienced the worst of the flooding, with vehicles struggling to move through knee-deep water. Commuters, many of whom were trying to reach their offices or businesses, found themselves stuck in traffic for hours, adding to their frustration. Public transportation services were also severely impacted, with buses and auto-rickshaws unable to navigate flooded roads.
The city’s infrastructure seemed unprepared for the sudden onset of heavy rain, as roads and lanes that were already in poor condition became even more hazardous. Many residents expressed concern over the lack of a robust drainage system capable of handling such rainfall. While the state government has implemented several measures over the years to address urban flooding, the ongoing rain revealed significant gaps in the city’s ability to manage waterlogging during monsoons.
In addition to the traffic issues, power outages were reported in several parts of the city. With the water levels rising, electrical lines were compromised, leading to power disruptions in areas like Pan Bazaar, Ganeshguri, and Lakhtokia. The outages left residents without electricity for several hours, adding to the challenges of navigating through the flooded city. Many local businesses also faced losses as operations came to a halt due to the combined impact of waterlogging and electricity failure.
The local authorities have been scrambling to manage the situation, with municipal workers working tirelessly to clear clogged drains and remove debris from roads. Despite their best efforts, the scale of the flooding has made it difficult to restore normalcy quickly. Traffic police have been deployed in large numbers to manage the congestion, redirect traffic, and ensure that emergency vehicles can pass through affected areas. However, the persistent rainfall continues to hinder their efforts, and the situation remains dire.
Local residents have called on the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) to take more proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such incidents in the future. They have demanded the construction of more robust drainage systems and better flood-preparedness strategies to prevent the city from being paralysed during heavy rains. Environmental experts have also pointed out that rapid urbanization and the encroachment of natural water bodies in Guwahati have worsened the situation, making it more difficult for the city to manage water during periods of heavy rainfall.
As the day progresses, the weather department has issued a warning for more rainfall in the coming hours, which is likely to prolong the city’s struggle with waterlogging. With the drainage system still struggling to cope, residents have been advised to stay indoors wherever possible and avoid unnecessary travel. The heavy rain has also posed a risk to the city’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which have been weakened due to years of inadequate maintenance.
Despite these challenges, the city’s residents have shown resilience, with many coming together to help those stranded in the traffic jams and offering support to people affected by the waterlogging. Local organizations and volunteers have been distributing food and water to people caught in the long traffic snarls, while some residents have been offering shelter to those stranded due to the floods.
The heavy rainfall in Guwahati has not only brought attention to the city’s vulnerability to flooding but also highlighted the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to cope with the challenges posed by climate change. As the city grapples with the current crisis, it is clear that long-term solutions must be found to ensure that Guwahati can withstand future monsoon seasons without facing the same level of disruption and distress.
The ongoing flooding crisis in Guwahati has sparked conversations about the city’s preparedness for climate-related events. Environmental experts have weighed in, stressing that Guwahati’s rapid urbanization has come at the cost of its natural drainage systems. Many rivers, ponds, and wetlands in and around the city, which once served as natural water reservoirs, have been encroached upon or filled to make way for construction projects. This has significantly reduced the area’s capacity to absorb excess rainwater, leading to frequent waterlogging during monsoon seasons.
Experts have also raised concerns about the quality of infrastructure development in the city. Poor drainage systems and outdated stormwater management infrastructure are major factors contributing to the current chaos. The city’s drainage network, which was designed decades ago, has not been updated to accommodate the growing population and the increasing frequency of heavy rains. The lack of coordination between various government bodies responsible for urban planning and maintenance has also been cited as a key issue.
The traffic congestion in Guwahati has had a ripple effect on the city’s economy. Many workers, especially those in the service and manufacturing sectors, have been delayed in reaching their workplaces, leading to a drop in productivity. Local businesses, particularly those in the retail and transport sectors, have also reported losses due to the flooding and power cuts. With the city’s roads severely disrupted, the flow of goods and services has slowed down, impacting daily operations across many industries.
While the local administration has begun efforts to clear the waterlogged areas, residents are calling for long-term solutions that go beyond emergency measures. They argue that comprehensive urban planning, with a focus on sustainability, is needed to safeguard the city from future disasters. Several civic groups have also raised the issue of encroachments on floodplains and illegal construction on water bodies, urging the authorities to take strict action against those responsible.
In the aftermath of this storm, several political leaders in Assam have voiced their concerns over the city’s inadequate flood management systems. They have demanded immediate intervention from the state government to provide relief and plan for a more resilient infrastructure. The need for better water management systems and improved flood forecasting tools has been highlighted in the wake of this crisis. There have been calls for the government to invest in modern flood control technologies, including advanced drainage systems, water retention projects, and urban green spaces that can help absorb rainwater.
Local residents, too, have come together to show solidarity. In areas most affected by the flooding, community-based organizations have stepped up to provide relief to stranded people. Volunteers have been offering assistance, helping people navigate flooded streets, distributing food, and even coordinating temporary shelter for those in need. Despite the challenges, the sense of community and resilience has been evident, with people helping each other through the difficult conditions.
Looking forward, the city of Guwahati will need to prioritize sustainable urban planning and improved infrastructure to handle the changing weather patterns. The recent flooding incident has underscored the urgency of addressing the environmental and infrastructural challenges facing the city. If Guwahati hopes to thrive amidst increasing rainfall and urban growth, it will need to invest in long-term solutions that focus on both mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Until then, the city will continue to grapple with the fallout of inadequate preparation and the challenges posed by severe weather events.