The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Friday issued an advisory warning of a possible flood-like situation in parts of Northeast India as continuous rainfall forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) until May 4 is expected to trigger rising river levels across several states between May 1 and May 6.
According to the advisory, IMD has forecast persistent rainfall in the region till May 4, which may result in a significant rise in water levels in major rivers and tributaries during the period under review.
The warning covers several districts of Assam, with particular concern over the Brahmaputra basin and Barak Valley regions, where multiple rivers are expected to swell due to sustained precipitation and upstream flow.
Among the rivers under close watch is the Jiabharali in Sonitpur district, which is expected to witness a sharp rise in water levels, raising concerns for adjoining low-lying areas.
The main stem of the Brahmaputra is also likely to record elevated water levels across districts including Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Sonitpur and Dhubri, prompting enhanced surveillance along embankments.
In the Barak Valley, the Barak River is expected to swell in Cachar and Karimganj districts, with tributaries such as Kushiyara and Katakhal in Karimganj and Hailakandi also identified as vulnerable to rising levels.
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The advisory further extends to Tripura, where close monitoring has been recommended for rivers including the Muhari, Burima, Gumti, Khowai, Manu, Haora and Juri over the next two to three days.
State disaster management authorities and district administrations have been advised to undertake precautionary measures, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as the region braces for continued rainfall and rising river levels.
The IMD forecast indicates that the wet spell may persist intermittently, increasing soil saturation levels and accelerating runoff into river systems, thereby heightening the risk of localised flooding in vulnerable catchments across the region.
Hydrological monitoring has been intensified across key river stations, with continuous tracking of water levels in major tributaries feeding the Brahmaputra and Barak systems to assess real-time flood risk.
Authorities in Assam, Tripura and adjoining states have been advised to strengthen preparedness in flood-prone pockets, including readiness for possible evacuation in low-lying settlements if water levels continue to rise.
The advisory period spanning May 1 to May 6 is being closely watched, with emphasis on district-level coordination to mitigate potential impacts on transport links, agriculture and habitation along riverine belts.
Officials have urged constant vigilance and timely response measures.
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