The flood situation in Assam deteriorated sharply on Monday following four consecutive days of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with more than 1.70 lakh people affected across 12 districts. Rescue and relief operations have been intensified as the Indian Army launched ‘Operation Jal Rahat’, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of continued heavy rainfall in several parts of the state.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 1,70,327 people have been affected in 580 villages under 30 revenue circles across Biswanath, Cachar, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts. More than 10,362 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.
The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across most parts of Assam on Monday. Eastern Assam districts, including Golaghat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, are expected to receive intense rainfall, with isolated places in Golaghat and Sivasagar likely to experience heavy to very heavy showers.
During the past four days, the highest rainfall was recorded at Sonari AEGCL in Charaideo district with 197.5 mm between July 18 and 19. On July 19-20, Kukurmara-Mirza AEGCL in Kamrup recorded 165.5 mm, followed by Bokakhat (130.5 mm), Guwahati (124.5 mm) and Mariyani AEGCL in Jorhat (122 mm).
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Dikhow River in Sivasagar is flowing above the Highest Flood Level (HFL), while the Brahmaputra at Neamatighat, Burhidihing at Khowang, Disang at Nanglamuraghat and Dhansiri at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, raising fears of further flooding.
The North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) has issued low to moderate flood alerts for Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat, Chirang, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts through its Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS).
In view of the worsening situation, the Indian Army has launched Operation Jal Rahat to assist civil authorities in rescue and relief operations across eastern Assam. Several columns of the Army and the Assam Rifles have been deployed in the worst-hit districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar and Jorhat, while the Indian Air Force has been kept on standby. Army personnel, working alongside civil administration and disaster response teams, have already rescued several stranded residents.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said rescue efforts in the flood-hit Bokota-Lakuwa Mandal of Demow constituency are being closely monitored by the government’s ministerial team. Sharing an update from Minister Susanta Borgohain, the Chief Minister said rescue operations are underway in Lonporiya and nearby villages, with efforts continuing to reach all affected residents.
Senior ministers Bimal Bora and Susanta Borgohain have been deputed to oversee rescue and relief operations in the affected districts and ensure timely assistance reaches flood-hit families.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall triggered severe urban flooding in Guwahati on Monday morning. Waterlogging was reported from several localities, including Zoo Tiniali, Hatigaon, Beltola Tiniali, Panjabari, Chandmari, Maligaon, Anil Nagar, Tarun Nagar, Rukminigaon, Ghoramara, Sijubari and the Lokhra-Odalbakra Road. Dewatering pumps have been deployed in vulnerable areas to clear accumulated rainwater.
The floods have also severely affected railway connectivity in Upper Assam. Train services on the Simaluguri-Namtiali and Simaluguri-Selenghat sections have been suspended after the overflowing Dikhow River inundated railway tracks, the station yard and railway colony at Simaluguri in Sivasagar district.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has diverted long-distance trains originating from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia via the Rangiya-Rangapara route, while several passenger services have been cancelled or short-terminated. Railway officials said restoration work will begin once floodwaters recede and the extent of damage to the tracks can be assessed.
Authorities have appealed to residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, avoid travelling through flooded roads and riverbanks, and follow official advisories as active monsoon conditions continue across the state.
