Guwahati: The India Meteorological Department(IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms across Assam from July 30 to August 1, prompting the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) to issue a public advisory urging residents in vulnerable districts to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
According to an ASDMA press release issued on Wednesday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places across Assam and neighbouring parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The weather system is expected to particularly affect the Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, while spillover effects from adjoining districts in Nagaland could impact Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Tinsukia district. Similar orange alerts have also been issued for Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland, with the possibility of adverse weather extending into neighbouring areas of Assam.
The forecast indicates thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall of 6-11 cm per day at most places of East Siang, Lohit, Namsai , Longding, Lower Subansiri and Lower Dibang valley . While very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm per day is expected at isolated locations in Papumpare district. Authorities warned that the intense rainfall could aggravate waterlogging, flooding, flash floods, slow vehicular movement and localized landslides in vulnerable areas.
In light of the weather forecast, ASDMA has appealed to people in the affected districts to stay vigilant and follow all necessary safety measures. The authority has advised daily commuters and long-distance travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and urged residents in low-lying and hillside areas to stay alert for signs of flooding and landslides.
The disaster management authority said regular weather updates and advisories will be made available through its official website i.e https://asdma.assam.gov.in/resource/assam-weather-forecast and social media platforms, urging the public to follow official instructions to ensure safety during the expected spell of rain.