The latest wave of flooding in Guwahati has challenged the long-standing explanation that heavy rainfall in neighbouring Meghalaya is primarily responsible for the city's flood situation. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the recent deluge was largely caused by intense, localized rainfall within Guwahati itself.
While the bordering Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya recorded only 18 mm of rainfall at the Umtrewdam station, several parts of Guwahati witnessed extremely heavy showers over a short period. Areas including Khanapara, Sarusajai, and Kalakshetra received nearly 90 mm of rainfall within just two to three hours, while many other parts of the city recorded between 60 and 70 mm.
The sharp contrast in rainfall was further highlighted by Borjhar, which received only 9 mm of rain during the same period, underscoring the highly localized nature of the weather system. The data suggests that the flooding was driven primarily by intense rainfall over the city rather than water flowing downstream from Meghalaya.