Guwahati: Torrential rains and high-speed winds lash city

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by torrential rain and high-speed winds battered Guwahati on Saturday, May 10, bringing the city’s infrastructure to a grinding halt and raising serious concerns about its preparedness and resilience as a designated Smart City.

The storm caused widespread devastation across the city — uprooting trees, toppling electric poles, and flooding major thoroughfares. By Sunday, May 11, Guwahati was still reeling from the aftermath. Key roads remained blocked with debris, essential services struggled to resume, and vast areas were still without electricity despite ongoing restoration efforts by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).

Numerous localities, including Khanapara and Kahilipara, continued to face power outages well into Sunday, sparking outrage among residents. APDCL officials acknowledged that several feeders had tripped during the storm, causing large-scale disruptions across both residential and commercial zones.

“Our teams have been on the ground since the storm hit. We’ve cleared many areas and restored power in most locations, but a few zones remain affected. We’re expecting full restoration by evening,” an APDCL source told the media.

Frustrated residents took to social media and local forums to express their dissatisfaction. A resident from Beltola criticized the city’s infrastructure and questioned the Smart City status, stating, “Except for a few green buses, there’s hardly any visible development. Roads are full of ditches, street lights are missing, and overhead power cables make life miserable. Underground cabling is a long-pending need. Until private players are brought in, nothing will change.”

Echoing this sentiment, Bedanta Baruah from Hatigoan said, “I don’t understand how Guwahati qualifies as a Smart City when we’ve had no electricity for 18 hours straight. Thanks to APDCL.”

In addition to the power crisis, large parts of Guwahati experienced severe waterlogging due to the failure of the city’s drainage system. Neighborhoods like Zoo Road, Chandmari, and Lachit Nagar were submerged, with commuters seen wading through knee-deep water. Fallen trees and structural debris further choked roadways, disrupting daily life.

As the city struggles to return to normalcy, the storm has sparked renewed debate on Guwahati’s infrastructure capabilities and the effectiveness of the Smart City Mission. For many residents, the events of this weekend have laid bare the urgent need for systemic reforms, improved disaster preparedness, and long-overdue infrastructure upgrading.

Also Read: IMD Predicts Heavy Rains in Northeast till April 27

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