Severe Storms and Torrential Rains Leave Guwahati in Darkness, Disrupt Daily Life
Guwahati:Guwahati faced widespread chaos early on April 28 as powerful thunderstorms and heavy rainfall swept through the city, plunging several areas into complete darkness and severely impacting daily activities.Strong gusts of wind accompanied the early morning showers, causing extensive power outages across numerous localities. Waterlogging on key roads further compounded the situation, leading to major traffic jams just as residents were setting out for work and school.Entire neighborhoods reported prolonged blackouts as the storm wreaked havoc on the city’s power infrastructure. In addition to widespread electricity disruptions, several arterial roads were left flooded, creating bottlenecks and delaying the morning rush.Local authorities struggled to manage the surge in emergency calls related to uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and waterlogged streets. Many commuters were seen stranded as vehicles moved at a snail’s pace through submerged stretches.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert forecasting continued heavy rainfall throughout the day. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize."Further showers and thunderstorms are likely, and we are closely monitoring the situation," an IMD official said, warning of possible additional disruptions if the weather persists.Meanwhile, the city's municipal and power departments have deployed emergency teams to clear fallen trees, drain flooded areas, and restore electricity in the affected localities. However, given the severity of the storm, full recovery could take several hours, authorities indicated.Citizens also took to social media to share images and videos of flooded streets, traffic chaos, and reports of localized damage, calling for quicker response measures from the administration.This episode marks one of the most severe early monsoon-like storms the city has witnessed in recent weeks, highlighting Guwahati’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness.
