Flood causes massive commuter disruption and financial losses in Guwahati

Guwahati: Flash floods in the Rukminigaon area opposite Pantaloons Shopping Mall created havoc on commuters, leading to extensive delays, financial losses, and significant disruption to daily life.

Early morning commuters traveling from Khanapara towards Paltan Bazar found themselves in a nightmare scenario as floodwaters submerged key thoroughfares, causing a traffic gridlock that lasted for more than two hours. The situation was worsened by the waterlogged conditions, which brought vehicular movement to a standstill.

The repercussions were felt across the city, affecting not only regular commuters but also emergency services such as ambulances and school buses. The delays meant that crucial services arrived late at their destinations, potentially jeopardizing health outcomes and disrupting daily routines.

An associate working at City Center Mall in Ganeshguri said she was stuck for more than two hours in the traffic snarl caused by the flood, and faced the grim prospect of being late for work, which could potentially lead to a deduction in her salary. “We were stuck for more than two hours, unable to move an inch," said one commuter, whose journey to work was delayed significantly.

Public transport services were also severely impacted. Passengers aboard city buses and shared taxis chose to step down midway through their journeys due to the prolonged delays, despite having paid the full fare. This decision further compounded the financial losses faced by drivers already grappling with reduced business due to the disrupted schedule.

"I had several passengers leave my shared taxi because we were stuck for so long. It's a big loss for us drivers," shared one taxi driver who operates on the route from Khanapara to Geetanagar and Zoo Road.

Local authorities, including the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), were showing efforts to pump out floodwaters and clear debris from the affected areas, although the full restoration of normal traffic flow is expected to take some time.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of this flash flood, commuters and businesses alike are left counting the costs—both in terms of lost time and financial setbacks. Meanwhile, the state government has issued an alert in Kamrup (Metro) district as several rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Digaru and Kollong, are flowing above the danger mark.

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