The flood situation in Assam has taken a devastating turn, with six more lives lost on Tuesday, raising the total death toll from floods and landslides to 17 this year. More than 6.33 lakh people have been affected across 21 districts, as torrential rains continue to batter the state.
According to the latest report by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the situation remains grim, with major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Katakhal flowing above danger levels at multiple locations. The Katakhal River has even surpassed its highest flood mark at Matizuri in Hailakandi district.
The worst-hit district is Sribhumi, where over 2.31 lakh people are struggling with floodwaters. Nagaon and Cachar districts follow closely, with 99,819 and 89,344 affected people respectively. Across the state, 1,506 villages in 69 revenue circles are submerged, disrupting lives and livelihoods on a massive scale.
In a bid to provide shelter to the displaced, 223 relief camps have been set up, currently housing 39,746 people. In addition, 288 relief distribution centres are supplying essential items like food, water, and medicines to those in need. However, the demand for relief far exceeds the available resources.
The deluge has also severely impacted agriculture, with over 14,700 hectares of cropland submerged. Many farmers have lost standing crops, compounding the misery of rural households already reeling from economic hardships.
Infrastructure damage has added to the woes. Two embankments have been breached, and three others damaged, resulting in the disruption of road, railway, and ferry connectivity in several regions. Transport services remain partially suspended in flood-affected zones.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after visiting the flood-ravaged Cachar district, directed district authorities to step up relief and rescue operations. He reiterated the importance of wetland conservation as a long-term strategy to manage urban and rural flooding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reviewed the flood situation and assured Chief Minister Sarma of full support from the central government. Relief and rescue efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers are underway on a war footing.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ for several districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming days. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow local advisories.
