Local Heroes Emerge Amidst Assam Floods: Stories of Bravery and Resilience

The recent floods in Upper Assam have not only caused widespread destruction but have also highlighted remarkable acts of bravery from local residents. Mustak Rohman, an APDCL employee, and Shravan Prasad, a villager, emerged as heroes, risking their lives to save others. Rohman's quick actions prevented electrocution in flooded areas, while Prasad's determination led to the rescue of hundreds stranded in treetops. Their stories of courage amidst chaos serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and compassion found in ordinary individuals during times of crisis. Read on to learn more about their heroic efforts and the impact they had on their communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 18:03 IST

Bravery in the Face of Disaster

Unsung heroes Shravan Prasad (left) and Mustak Rahman (Right). (AT Photo)

Guwahati, Aug 3: The catastrophic floods that struck Upper Assam on July 19 left a trail of destruction, displacing families and devastating communities.

Yet, amidst the chaos, tales of remarkable bravery surfaced, showcasing how heroism can arise from the most unexpected individuals.

In the flood-affected regions of Sivasagar, two local heroes—a worker from the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and a young villager with a simple wooden boat—risked their lives to rescue countless others.

As floodwaters surged into his home, APDCL employee Mustak Rohman made a selfless decision. Instead of salvaging his possessions, he ventured into the flooded streets to avert a more catastrophic situation.

With water levels rising alarmingly, Rohman took immediate action by disconnecting electrical connections and inverter lines from numerous homes, ultimately shutting down the Santak substation.

This proactive measure safeguarded around 40 households from potential electrocution as the floodwaters rose. Subsequently, electricity was cut off in the affected areas as a precaution.

Despite the valiant efforts of rescue teams and volunteers, not everyone could be saved.

"We did everything we could, but we witnessed many lives lost. The scenes in Nepali Khuti are etched in my memory," Rohman reflected.

As the waters began to recede, APDCL reported that nearly 95% of the electricity supply in Nepali Khuti and Santak had been restored after replacing damaged poles and fixing the distribution network.

Meanwhile, another heroic tale was unfolding in Bihubor village.

Floodwaters surged to heights of 14 to 15 feet, submerging homes in mere hours and forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops and trees.

The situation grew dire as darkness fell, strong currents prevailed, and immediate rescue efforts were hindered by a punctured rubber boat used by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

In this critical moment, Shravan Prasad took the initiative. Without waiting for official help, he and a few friends launched a small wooden boat into the turbulent waters, fully aware of the risks involved.

Time and again, they braved the fierce currents, rescuing children, the elderly, and women stranded on rooftops and tree branches.

By the end of their efforts, they had successfully brought approximately 300 to 400 individuals to safety.

For the people of Bihubor, Shravan's bravery transformed him from an ordinary villager into a beacon of hope during one of the darkest nights in the village's history.

The narratives of Rohman and Prasad have become integral to the story of Upper Assam's floods, a tale marked not only by devastation but also by acts of kindness and bravery.

While government agencies and disaster response teams continue their rescue and rehabilitation work, these individual acts of courage serve as poignant reminders that, in times of crisis, ordinary people often emerge as the first line of hope.