Severe Flooding Hits Assam Following Heavy Rainfall

Flooding Crisis in Assam

Assam has entered the first phase of monsoon flooding after several days of relentless rain, exacerbated by conditions in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. According to officials, six districts in the state have been severely impacted, affecting over 22,000 residents directly. The swift currents of overflowing rivers and severe erosion along riverbanks have damaged a crucial railway bridge, disrupting rail connectivity in the region.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that the districts of Dhemaji, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Chirang, Lakhimpur, and Kokrajhar have seen a total of 22,124 individuals affected, with Dhemaji being the hardest hit, where 15,483 people are struggling due to rising floodwaters.

Railway Services Suspended Due to Bridge Damage

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) announced that train services between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations have been indefinitely suspended due to the instability of a bridge pier caused by severe flooding and riverbank erosion. A spokesperson for NFR stated that operations in this section were halted as a precautionary measure due to the impact of flooding on the railway bridge at KM 408/11-13.

In a statement, NFR noted, "This bridge, constructed in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, was in good condition. However, significant erosion during heavy rainfall has compromised one of its piers."

No Injuries Reported, Alternative Transport Arranged

Officials confirmed that no trains have been damaged and there are no reports of injuries. Given that the affected section is a low-traffic branch line, train operations were preemptively suspended due to the rising river levels. The statement added, "Train services on the route between Murkongselek and Silapathar will remain suspended until further notice. Trains will only operate short-term from Silapathar."

To assist stranded passengers, NFR has arranged buses for transport between Murkongselek and Silapathar. Help desks have also been established at Dhemaji, Silapathar, and Murkongselek railway stations to aid those affected. NFR is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with district officials and the Assam government.

Review of Flood Situation by Amit Shah and CM Himanta

In a conversation on social media, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally called to inquire about the flood situation in Dhemaji and the relief efforts being undertaken by the state government. Sarma expressed gratitude, stating, "I thank Honorable Home Minister Amit Shah for reaching out to discuss the flood situation in Dhemaji. I informed him about the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, and he assured us of all possible assistance from the central government to manage this crisis."

Significant Damage to Villages, Crops, and Livestock

Floodwaters have inundated 96 villages across the affected districts, with approximately 1,690 hectares of agricultural land suffering damage. The rising water levels have also adversely affected livestock, with 48,199 animals impacted during the current flood wave.

Continuous rainfall has led to a rapid increase in water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. According to ASDMA, the Disang River in Sivasagar district is flowing above the danger mark, raising concerns that the flooding situation could worsen if the rains persist.

CM Assures Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state government is closely monitoring the evolving flood situation, particularly in Dhemaji district, and has instructed officials to provide immediate assistance to affected families. In a post on social media, Sarma remarked, "Since the onset of flooding in Dhemaji, I have been continuously observing the situation. We are deeply saddened by the impact on people's lives, and we stand firmly with them during this challenging time." He emphasized that the state government is mobilizing all resources to prioritize the immediate safety and long-term rehabilitation of all affected families.