Assam Flood Crisis: Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Challenges
Current Flood Situation in Assam
In flood-ravaged Sivasagar, every journey became a struggle for survival. (Photo:PTI)
GUWAHATI, Jul 30: The flood conditions in Assam remain severe as of Thursday, despite water levels dropping in many areas. The death toll has now reached 78, with over 300,000 individuals still affected by the flooding, according to officials.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, expected in isolated regions of Assam and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland over the next three days, raising alarms for districts near these states.
According to an official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), most flood-impacted districts in Upper Assam experienced no rainfall, allowing water levels to decrease in inundated villages, providing some relief to residents.
The ASDMA's latest flood report indicated that three additional fatalities occurred in the past 24 hours—two in Sivasagar and one in Golaghat—bringing the total death toll for this year's floods to 78.
Currently, 300,031 individuals are affected, with Charaideo being the hardest hit, impacting 137,561 people, followed by Sivasagar with 84,600 and Jorhat with 49,911.
Over 16,500 displaced individuals are residing in 71 relief camps, while 30 relief distribution centers are providing aid to more than 72,000 people.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday to discuss the flood situation. Sarma noted that while floodwaters are receding, many residents cannot return home due to damage or mud accumulation.
This was Shah's second call to Sarma in a week, during which he assured support from the central government for relief and recovery efforts.
Various agencies, including medical and veterinary teams, are actively engaged in rescue operations in the affected regions.
Approximately 21,523.08 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged, with over 11,000 livestock lost and another 17,000 affected.
Reports of damage to infrastructure, including embankments, homes, roads, schools, and other public properties, have been documented in several areas, as noted in the ASDMA bulletin.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from July 30 to August 1 in isolated areas across Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, potentially impacting districts such as Tinsukia, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur.
The ASDMA has advised residents in the affected districts to take necessary precautions and stay alert. Updates on the situation will be provided on their official website and social media platforms for public awareness.