The flood situation in Assam continues to remain serious despite a gradual improvement in water levels, with the death toll rising to 78 and more than three lakh people still affected across several districts. Even as rescue and relief operations continue, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of another spell of heavy rainfall over the next three days, raising concerns of renewed flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three more people lost their lives on Wednesday, taking the total number of flood-related deaths this year to 78. The latest casualties include two people from Sivasagar district and one from Golaghat.
Over Three Lakh People Continue to Battle the Flood Crisis
Although floodwaters have started receding in some parts of the state, the humanitarian crisis is far from over. The latest government data shows that 3,00,031 people remain affected across seven districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Kamrup Metropolitan.
Floodwaters continue to inundate 551 villages spread across 21 revenue circles, while more than 21,500 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged. Thousands of farmers have suffered extensive crop losses, adding to the economic burden caused by the disaster.
Among the worst-affected districts, Charaideo has reported over 1.37 lakh affected residents, followed by Sivasagar with more than 84,000 people and Jorhat with nearly 50,000 people facing flood-related hardships.
The slight decline in the overall number of affected people compared to previous days offers some relief, but authorities say recovery will take time because many homes, roads and public facilities have suffered severe damage.
Relief Operations Continue Across Assam
State authorities, along with central agencies, have intensified rescue and relief efforts to support displaced families.
More than 16,500 people are currently staying in 71 relief camps, while over 72,000 residents are receiving assistance through relief distribution centres established across flood-hit districts.
Medical teams, veterinary staff and disaster response personnel continue to work in affected regions to provide healthcare, distribute essential supplies and prevent the outbreak of diseases.
The floods have also caused widespread destruction to public infrastructure. Roads, embankments, educational institutions and residential buildings have suffered heavy damage.
Officials said over 11,000 animals have been washed away, while another 17,000 livestock have been affected, creating additional challenges for rural communities dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
Urban Flooding Continues to Trouble Guwahati
Apart from river flooding, Assam’s largest city, Guwahati, continues to struggle with urban flooding.
Several localities in Kamrup Metropolitan district remain waterlogged, including Padumbari, Boragaon, Zoo Road, Hatigaon, Rukminigaon, Lachit Nagar, Satgaon, Wireless and Jorabat.
While authorities stated that no population has been officially listed as displaced because of urban flooding, persistent waterlogging has disrupted normal life, slowed traffic movement and affected businesses in several parts of the city.
Officials continue to monitor drainage systems as intermittent rainfall threatens to worsen the situation.
Centre Reviews Situation, Extends Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the flood situation with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a telephonic conversation on Wednesday.
According to Sarma, the Home Minister assured the state government that the Centre would continue extending every possible assistance for relief, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chief Minister said the flood situation has improved significantly since heavy rainfall subsided after July 21. However, he noted that many families are still unable to return home because their houses remain damaged or filled with mud and silt.
He also pointed out that several roads remain blocked due to debris flowing down from the hills bordering Nagaland.
Sarma announced that a meeting with representatives of all banks operating in Assam would be held to discuss special financial support and relief measures for flood-affected borrowers, following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Army Reviews Rescue Operations as Fresh Rain Threat Looms
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth reviewed flood relief operations during his two-day visit to the Eastern Theatre. Senior Army officials briefed him on rescue efforts, operational preparedness and support being extended to the civil administration in the flood-hit areas.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms from July 30 to August 1 across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
An orange alert has been issued for Tinsukia district, while neighbouring districts including Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat have also been advised to remain on high alert.
The weather department warned that the upcoming rainfall could worsen waterlogging, trigger flash floods, slow traffic movement and increase the possibility of landslides in vulnerable regions.
With fresh rain forecast and thousands still displaced, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and cooperate with emergency response teams as Assam continues its battle against one of the season’s most challenging flood situations.
