Indian Army Launches Major Rescue Operations Amidst Severe Flooding in Assam
Rescue Efforts Intensified in Flood-Hit 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 risen to 10, with more than 3.65 lakh individuals affected across 16 districts.
The Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reports that 45 revenue circles in 16 districts have been impacted, with Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat being the hardest hit. Approximately 10,362 hectares of agricultural land remain 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, part of 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 currently active 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 urgent 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 engineering teams have also been mobilized to help restore connectivity in areas where roads and infrastructure have been compromised by floodwaters.
The operations are being conducted in collaboration with district administrations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other civil organizations. Additional resources are on standby for immediate deployment as the situation develops.
As of Monday, the flood-related death toll has reached 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 Rangiya–Rangapara–Dibrugarh. Numerous passenger services have also been cancelled or short-originated.
At least six NDRF teams are currently deployed in Sivasagar and Charaideo, while two teams are conducting rescue operations in Jorhat. Additional SDRF teams from other districts have been mobilized to assist in Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat.
Many regions in the state have experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Mirza recording 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 for the last three days, weather officials predict a decrease in rainfall activity across most parts of Assam starting Tuesday.