Guwahati | The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Assam and several northeastern states over the next three to four days, raising concerns over flooding, flash floods, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The latest weather forecast has prompted the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and district administrations to step up preparedness measures, particularly in flood-prone and hill districts where intense rainfall is expected between July 30 and August 1.

According to the IMD, widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with weather systems over neighbouring states expected to significantly influence districts in Upper Assam.

An Orange Alert has been issued for Tinsukia district in Assam, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Similar alerts are in place for Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland, where heavy precipitation and runoff are expected to affect adjoining districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat in Assam.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in East Siang, Lohit, Namsai, Longding, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri and Lower Dibang Valley districts. The resulting runoff from these catchment areas could impact downstream districts of Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur in Assam, increasing the risk of flooding.

The weather office has predicted 6 cm to 11 cm of rainfall per day across many parts of the affected Arunachal Pradesh districts, with isolated areas-particularly Papumpare district-likely to receive very heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm during the forecast period.

The ASDMA warned that the anticipated rainfall could worsen waterlogging in urban centres, trigger flash floods in low-lying areas, slow vehicular movement on major roads and increase the possibility of landslides in hilly regions.

Officials said all concerned district administrations have been placed on alert to monitor the evolving weather situation and respond promptly to any emergencies.

The disaster management authority has advised residents, particularly those living in low-lying flood-prone areas, riverbanks and landslide-prone hill slopes, to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and strictly follow advisories issued by local authorities.

With several parts of Assam still recovering from recent monsoon floods, officials fear that another spell of intense rainfall could lead to a renewed rise in river levels and fresh inundation in vulnerable districts, underscoring the need for heightened preparedness across the region.