Severe Flooding in Assam Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands
Flood Crisis Escalates in Assam
Rescue operations continue in flood-affected areas in Demow, Sivasagar, on Monday.(Photo:@borgohainSBG/X)
Guwahati, Jul 20: The flood situation in Assam has deteriorated further, with one additional fatality reported, bringing the total death toll this year to five. The number of individuals impacted by the floods has surged to over 57,000 across seven districts.
In response to the escalating crisis in Upper Assam, the state government has requested the Indian Army and Indian Air Force to be on standby for potential evacuation and rescue efforts.
As per the latest report from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the most recent death occurred in Sivasagar district.
Flooding has now affected more than 57,100 residents in the districts of Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, and Udalguri.
Charaideo is currently the hardest-hit area, with nearly 24,000 individuals affected, followed closely by Dhemaji with around 22,000 and Dibrugarh with over 4,000.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued 10 individuals from various locations in Charaideo throughout the day.
Floodwaters have inundated 298 villages statewide and caused damage to 3,874.84 hectares of farmland.
Infrastructure such as embankments, roads, bridges, and other public facilities have also sustained significant damage in several regions.
The Burhidihing River is currently flowing above the danger mark at Chenimari in the Khowang area of Dibrugarh district, raising fears of further flooding.
The ASDMA reported that 14 relief camps and distribution centers are operational across four districts, providing shelter to 440 displaced individuals.
In the past 24 hours, authorities have distributed essential supplies, including 58.17 quintals of rice, 10.89 quintals of dal, 3.26 quintals of salt, and 326.88 liters of mustard oil to affected families.
Additionally, the floods have impacted over 37,558 domestic animals and poultry, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government has requested the Army and Air Force to be ready to assist civil authorities should the flood situation worsen.
"As the flood conditions in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat continue to escalate, we have asked the Indian Army and Air Force to be prepared for evacuation and rescue operations if necessary," Sarma mentioned in a social media update on Sunday evening.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister has assigned four cabinet ministers—Ajanta Neog, Bimal Borah, Keshab Mahanta, and Susanta Borgohain—to visit the flood-affected districts of Upper Assam to oversee rescue and relief efforts.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring timely assistance reaches every affected family, stating that the government is continuously monitoring the situation.
"The safety and well-being of our citizens is our top priority. I am keeping a close watch on the situation, and we will take all necessary measures to protect lives and provide relief," Sarma affirmed.