Assam Flood Situation Shows Improvement Amid Ongoing Challenges

Current Flood Conditions in Assam

Guwahati, July 26: The flood situation in Assam has begun to improve as of Sunday, with water levels decreasing in many areas of Upper Assam following a break in rainfall. Nevertheless, over 654,000 individuals remain affected across six districts, and the death toll has reached 66.

In the last 24 hours, four additional fatalities were reported, three in Sivasagar and one in Charaideo, bringing the total flood-related deaths this year to 66.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that while the overall situation is gradually getting better, some areas still face significant challenges.

"The death toll has now reached 66, which includes one victim from the Guwahati floods. There are four individuals still unaccounted for, and I estimate the final count could be between 70 and 75. Initially, we feared it might reach 100, but it will likely be lower. Each loss is tragic and cannot be quantified," Sarma informed reporters after participating in the Mann Ki Baat program on Sunday.

Despite the receding waters, certain localities continue to experience flooding.

"While water levels are dropping, places like Gourisagar and Sivasagar town still have high water. We have yet to restore electricity to 25,000 households. It seems the water has no outlet, and we may need to employ machinery to assist in drainage," he explained.

Sarma also mentioned that rescue operations have largely concluded. "All individuals who were stranded have been rescued, and relief supplies are reaching even the most remote locations," he added.

He reiterated that a Central team has arrived in Assam to evaluate the damage caused by the severe floods in Upper Assam.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), conditions have improved in Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat districts, raising hopes that the continued decrease in floodwaters will expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The latest bulletin from ASDMA indicates that over 654,000 people are still affected in Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Sivasagar districts. Sivasagar remains the hardest-hit area, with nearly 290,000 affected, followed by Charaideo with about 190,000 and Jorhat with approximately 130,000.

Despite the positive trends, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi criticized the government for the inadequate reach of relief and rescue operations, urging that the floods be declared a national disaster.

"The state government has failed. There are remote areas where 30% of the affected population has yet to receive assistance. Families with substantial financial means have lost everything, including vehicles, homes, and personal belongings," Gogoi stated.

"If we do not classify this as a national issue, the victims will only receive compensation of Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000. However, assets accumulated over generations have been destroyed. The Chief Minister should approach the Prime Minister and Home Minister to declare this a national disaster," he continued.

Gogoi emphasized that many residents in Sivasagar are still suffering, saying, "People in various parts of Sivasagar are in distress. I urge everyone to pressure the government to declare this a national calamity, as only then will the victims receive proper compensation."

ASDMA reported that 274 relief camps and distribution centers are operational across the six affected districts, providing shelter to 18,902 displaced individuals.

Multiple agencies, including the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, police, and civil administration, are actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

The authority noted that 810 villages remain submerged, and approximately 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged. Infrastructure such as embankments, roads, and bridges has also suffered significant destruction, while the Dikhow river in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri river at Numaligarh continue to flow above the danger threshold.