Indian Army Launches Major Rescue Efforts Amidst Severe Flooding in Assam
Severe Flooding Crisis in Upper Assam
Indian Army intensifying rescue operation across flood hit districts in Assam (Photo: AT)
Jorhat, July 21: Upper Assam is currently facing one of its most severe flood crises in recent memory. The Indian Army has successfully rescued over 200 civilians stranded due to the floods under the initiative named Operation Jal Rahat. Tragically, the death toll has reached 10, with more than 3.65 lakh individuals affected across 16 districts.
The Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reports that 45 revenue circles across these districts have been impacted, with Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat being the hardest hit. Over 10,362 hectares of agricultural land are currently submerged.
In light of the ongoing crisis, the Indian Army has ramped up its relief operations through Operation Jal Rahat.
On July 20, four Flood Relief Columns from the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps were deployed in the flood-affected areas of Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat at the request of local civil authorities.
The Army units are actively working in Nazira and Amguri in Sivasagar, Sonari in Charaideo, and various locations in Jorhat. These teams, supported by personnel from the Spear Corps, are equipped with rescue boats, medical staff, engineering tools, and essential supplies.
Army personnel have been evacuating residents trapped in flooded areas and providing emergency medical care and relief supplies to those in need.
To improve situational awareness and enhance rescue efforts, helicopter reconnaissance and drone surveillance are being utilized over the affected regions.
Army engineer detachments have also been mobilized to help restore connectivity in areas where roads and infrastructure have been compromised by floodwaters.
These operations are being conducted in collaboration with district administrations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other civil agencies. Additional resources are on standby for immediate deployment as the situation develops.
As of Monday, the flood-related death toll has risen to 10, with four fatalities reported from Jorhat and one from Karbi Anglong.
The ASDMA bulletin indicates that several major rivers are flowing above danger levels. The Brahmaputra is above the danger mark at Neamatighat, while the Burhi Dihing at Khowang, Dikhow at Sivasagar, Disang at Nanglamuraghat, and Dhansiri at Numaligarh are also above critical levels.
The escalating flood situation has significantly disrupted railway operations in eastern Assam. Train services have been short-terminated at Mariani, Furkating, Selenghat, and Namtiali due to floodwaters affecting rail connectivity through Simaluguri.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), severe flooding has inundated the Simaluguri station yard, railway tracks, and surrounding areas, leading to the suspension of train movement between the Simaluguri–Namtiali and Simaluguri–Selenghat sections until further notice.
Several long-distance trains, including the Rajdhani Express services to and from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, have been rerouted via the Rangiya–Rangapara–Dibrugarh route. Numerous passenger services have also been cancelled or short-originated.
At least six NDRF teams are currently deployed in Sivasagar and Charaideo, with two additional teams conducting rescue operations in Jorhat. More SDRF teams from other districts have been mobilized to assist in Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat.
Many regions of the State have experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, including Mirza (170 mm), Guwahati (140 mm), Bokakhat and Golaghat (130 mm each), Mariani (120 mm), Numaligarh and Gossaigaon (110 mm each), and Jorhat (100 mm). Sonari recorded 190 mm of rainfall on Sunday. While widespread rainfall has persisted across Upper Assam over the last three days, weather officials predict a decrease in rainfall activity across most parts of Assam starting Tuesday.