Upper Assam Floods: Chief Minister Warns of Rising Casualties
Severe Flooding in Upper Assam
CM Sarma visited the relief camp in Charaideo on Wednesday
Guwahati/Jorhat, July 22: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grave concerns on Wednesday regarding the escalating death toll from the catastrophic floods in Upper Assam. This warning came after a tragic incident where four family members were swept away by the floodwaters in Charaideo district.
During his visit to the affected areas, Sarma highlighted the ongoing destruction, noting that many individuals are still unaccounted for and that rescue efforts are being hindered by extensive flooding.
He stated, "We have already recovered some bodies, and the number of missing persons is alarmingly high. This time, we expect the casualty figures to be significant."
The Chief Minister indicated that a comprehensive assessment of the damage would take at least a week, emphasizing that the current situation is dire, with some areas lacking access to essential supplies like drinking water.
Sarma pointed out that the Indian Army, along with the NDRF and SDRF, are facing challenges in reaching many locations. “Thousands remain trapped in floodwaters, and numerous patients are in urgent need of assistance,” he remarked, illustrating the severity of the crisis.
He identified Charaideo, Sivasagar, Golaghat, and Jorhat as the districts most severely impacted, stating that the government’s immediate focus is on evacuating residents and relocating them to relief camps.
"We are in regular communication with the Centre, which has dispatched the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF. While we have sufficient resources to manage the situation, the primary obstacle is the inaccessibility of many areas due to the flooding," he added.
Sarma noted that this year's floods have affected regions that have historically been safe from such disasters, attributing the unprecedented situation to a cloudburst in Nagaland's Mon district that caused a sudden influx of water downstream.
The Chief Minister's warning comes as the flood situation in Upper Assam deteriorates, with the official death toll rising to 31 following 21 additional fatalities reported on Tuesday.
Tragic Incident in Charaideo District
One of the most heartbreaking events occurred in Charaideo district, where four family members were swept away by the floodwaters while attempting to escape their submerged home.
This tragedy took place around 7 pm on Tuesday in Abhaypuria village, under the jurisdiction of Tengapukhuri Police Station, after floodwaters inundated the residence of Rohini Duwara.
As the family sought higher ground, Rohini's wife, Tutumoni Duwara, and their daughter, Bidisha Duwara, were swept away while trying to cross a flooded road.
In a desperate attempt to save them, their sons, Bidyut Duwara and Biplab Duwara, jumped into the turbulent waters but were also carried away by the strong current.
Family members reported that they immediately reached out to the district administration's emergency helpline but claimed they did not receive a prompt response. They later contacted the Charaideo Deputy Commissioner, but by the time rescue teams arrived, crucial time had already been lost.
On Wednesday, the bodies of Bidyut Duwara, Biplab Duwara, and Bidisha Duwara were recovered, while search efforts continued for Tutumoni Duwara, who remains unaccounted for.
This incident highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis in Upper Assam, where thousands are stranded as rescue operations struggle against rising waters and difficult terrain.