Prepared by: Asmita Dahal, GRIT
Abstract
The North-East region of India has been harshly affected by extreme flooding in 2025. As per the data, it has impacted millions of people across multiple states till date. The floods were triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall. This has led to huge destruction, displacement, and deaths. In this report, the causes of the floods, its socio-economic and environmental impacts, and the role of climate change in worsening extreme weather events are examined. This report underlines the urgent necessity for better disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies with the analysis of recent data and scientific studies.
Introduction
Flooding occurs frequently in North-East India. The floods are basically driven by heavy monsoon rainfall, overflow of rivers, and deforestation. The floods of 2025 have been devastating. It has impacted more than 5.5 lakh people across the places like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura (India TV News, 2025). The frequency and intensity of such floods are increasing. This has raised concerns about climate change’s role in changing the patterns of precipitation and hydrological systems (DNA India, 2025). This report discovers the meteorological, geographical, and climatic factors responsible for the disasters like floods, their impacts, and potential prevention strategies.
Causes of the 2025 North-East India Floods
1. Excessive Monsoon Rainfall
The southwest monsoon has arrived early in 2025. This has majorly impacted North-East India that has led to heavy rains and flash floods. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the levels of rainfall had gone higher than historical averages. The river systems and drainage infrastructure have not been able to withstand it (WION News, 2025). The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers and their tributaries have crossed danger levels, submerging most of the area (India Today, 2025).
2. Geographical Vulnerability
The land structure of North-East region has steep slopes which makes it highly vulnerable to flooding. The hilly terrain aids rapid overflow. This has increased the chances of flash floods and landslides occurrence (The Hindu, 2025). Also, the major river systems like the Brahmaputra, worsens flood risks during the periods of excessive rainfall.
3. Climate Change and Altered Rainfall Patterns
Climate change has aided to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flooding. As per the studies, global warming has disturbed rainfall patterns that have led to unpredictable precipitation and wet conditions for longer time (Climate Fact Checks, 2025). The rise in temperatures has increased atmospheric moisture. This has contributed to more excessive rainfall events, further worsening impacts of flood in north-east India (Down to Earth, 2025).
4. Deforestation and Land Use Changes
Activities of human beings like deforestation and urban expansion have reduced natural forest cover. This has contributed in diminishing ability of land to absorb rainwater. Surface runoff has increased that has worsened flood risks in urban and rural areas due to poor land-use planning (DNA India, 2025).
Impacts of the 2025 Floods
1. Human and Economic Costs
The floods have resulted in significant number of deaths. At least 36 fatalities are reported across multiple states of north-east India (Straits Times, 2025). More than 5.5 lakhs people have been evacuated and thousands of people are seeking shelter in relief camps. Billions of economic losses have resulted from damage of infrastructure, agricultural destruction, and business disturbances (India Today, 2025).
2. Environmental Consequences
Various environmental impacts such as soil erosion, water sources contamination, and natural habitats destruction are seen because of floodwaters. Environmental degradation has been further triggered by landslides. This has affected biodiversity and ecosystem stability (Climate Fact Checks, 2025).
3. Public Health Risks
The cases of waterborne diseases like cholera and dengue fever are increasing due to flooding. Healthcare facilities and emergency services have been disturbed, which has further complicated response efforts. This underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness (India TV News, 2025).
The Role of Climate Change in North-East India’s Floods
The frequency and intensity of floods is increasing in North-East India aligning it with global climate change trends. Precipitation patterns have been altered due to rising temperatures, resulting to heavier rainfall events and long-lasting wet conditions (Down to Earth, 2025). North-East India has been identified as one of the most climate-sensitive regions by IMD as it experiences more intense and unpredictable rainfall patterns that increase flood risks (DNA India, 2025).
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
1. Strengthening Infrastructure and Flood Management
Investments should be made in resilient infrastructures like better drainage systems and flood barriers. This can reduce the impact of extreme weather events. For the protection of communities from further disasters, urban planning must integrate flood-resistant designs.
2. Climate Policy and Emission Reductions
For decreasing the pace of global warming and reducing its effects on weather patterns, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. Climate policies must be strengthened and transition must be made towards renewable energy in order to limit temperature rise and even out weather patterns.
3. Community Awareness and Preparedness
For enhancing resilience, communities must be educated about flood risks and emergency response protocols. For ensuring public safety during extreme weather events, early warning systems and evacuation plans must be reinforced.
Conclusion
The 2025 floods in North-East India highlight the growing influence of climate change on extreme weather events. Global warming continues to intensify precipitation events. For reducing risks and enhancing resilience, proactive measures must be taken. Investments must be made in infrastructure, climate policies must be strengthened, and public awareness must be raised for better preparation against future challenges posed by extreme rainfall and flooding.
References
- India TV News. (2025). Understanding monsoon's fury: Why Northeast India is prone to floods, over 5.5 lakh affected so far. Retrieved from https://www.indiatvnews.com/north-east/assam/understanding-monsoon-s-fury-why-northeast-india-is-prone-to-floods-over-5-5-lakh-affected-so-far-2025-06-03-993064
- Straits Times. (2025). At least 34 dead in India’s north-east after heavy floods. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/at-least-34-dead-in-indias-north-east-after-heavy-floods
- India Today. (2025). Northeast Flood Situation: 36 dead, over 5.5 lakh affected as heavy rain continues to lash Northeast. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/northeast-assam-manipur-arunachal-nagaland-sikkim-rain-flood-death-toll-lakhs-affected-2734810-2025-06-03
- DNA India. (2025). Why is Northeast more vulnerable to devastating floods? Is it due to climate change? Retrieved from https://www.dnaindia.com/explainer/report-why-is-northeast-more-vulnerable-to-devastating-floods-is-it-due-to-climate-change-imd-says-3156481
- Down to Earth. (2025). Climate crisis in North East India: How geography, rainfall variations define calamity course. Retrieved from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/climate-crisis-in-north-east-india-how-geography-rainfall-variations-define-calamity-course-78845