Sivasagar Floods Devastate Lives: A Community's Struggle to Rebuild

The recent floods in Sivasagar have wreaked havoc on the lives of many families, erasing years of hard work and savings in a single night. As the waters slowly recede, survivors are left grappling with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. With losses estimated in the lakhs, residents express uncertainty about their future and the long road ahead for recovery. Relief efforts are underway, but many questions remain unanswered. This article delves into the personal stories of those affected and the ongoing challenges they face in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 13:49 IST

A Night of Destruction in Betbari

Two youths use a makeshift banana stem raft to salvage their belongings from floodwaters. (Photo)

Betbari (Sivasagar), Aug 1: In just one night, the lives of many families in Betbari were drastically altered, erasing decades of hard work.

Years of effort went into building a grocery store, constructing a new home, and maintaining a pig farm that supported a family. Fields of paddy ready for harvest, livestock, handloom tools, and savings were all lost to the floodwaters by the morning of July 20.

Nearly two weeks later, as the waters gradually recede in parts of Upper Assam, survivors from one of the most affected villages in Sivasagar are facing a grim reality. Although they survived the flood, the journey to rebuild their lives could take years.

Villagers expressed their despair, stating, "It will take us at least 10 years to recover what we have lost," as they grappled with the uncertainty of their future.

The Sudden Onset of Flooding

Hirak Deka, a local resident, recounted how the floodwaters surged unexpectedly, leaving families with little time to escape.

"We were taken by surprise at how quickly the water rose. Floods have happened before, but never like this. I suspect the elevated highway and lack of proper drainage systems contributed to the rapid flooding. Water from the Dorika river and the floods from Nazira combined to inundate our area," he explained.

Deka faced significant losses, with goods worth approximately Rs 3 lakh in his grocery store destroyed, along with his livestock. His home was left in shambles.

"In the past, we had warnings before floods. This time, the water came so fast that we barely managed to save ourselves," he lamented.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Struggles

Although relief efforts have reached the village, Deka remains troubled by unanswered questions. "We have received some assistance, but how do I rebuild my home? Where will my family stay? How will we survive?" he questioned.

Fifty-five-year-old Manoj Buragohain shared his disbelief at the speed of the rising waters.

"In my lifetime, I have never seen water rise so rapidly. It was increasing by nearly three feet every hour. We couldn't save anything. Our house is still filled with water, and we have not been able to return. We are currently living along the highway," he stated.

Buragohain reported that floodwaters reached nearly seven feet inside his home. Even after 13 days, about three feet of water remains, affecting nearly 500 houses in the vicinity.

Manas Changmai reflected on the traumatic experience, stating, "We even saw unidentified bodies floating into our village. Belongings were scattered everywhere, and no one knew who owned what. We survived, but only just. Without government assistance, we have no means to start over."

Guti Changmai, standing beside the highway where his family has taken refuge, pointed to his home, barely visible through the floodwaters.

"When the water first entered the fields, we never thought it would escalate to this level. But when it reached our house, we grabbed our two children and fled, leaving everything behind," he recounted.

Widespread Devastation Across Upper Assam

The destruction extends far beyond Betbari. Even after 13 days, floodwaters continue to affect several villages throughout Upper Assam.

Hundreds of families are still unable to return home, and those who have managed to return are faced with the daunting task of cleaning mud-filled houses and salvaging what little remains.

In Sivasagar, villages such as Betaniban, Dagao, and Tamulipukhuri remain submerged. Many displaced families have sought refuge in makeshift shelters along highways, waiting for the waters to recede before assessing the full extent of the damage.

According to the latest flood bulletin from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), as of July 30, 192,799 individuals across 379 villages in the district were still affected by the floods, with 15,430 hectares of agricultural land remaining submerged despite some improvement in the overall flood situation.

So far, the floods and landslides have resulted in 41 fatalities in Sivasagar. Thousands have been rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services, while many continue to reside in relief camps.

As floodwaters begin to recede for many families, the reality of their losses is just starting to become apparent.