The flood situation in Assam has turned dire, affecting over 5.35 lakh people across 22 districts, as relentless rainfall and swollen rivers continue to wreak havoc. The death toll from floods and landslides has risen to 11, while two persons remain missing.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a total of 5,15,039 people across 1,254 villages in 65 revenue circles have been hit. Sribhumi is the worst-affected district with 1.94 lakh people impacted, followed by Cachar (77,961) and Nagaon (67,880).
Fifteen rivers are currently in spate, including the Brahmaputra flowing above danger level at Neamatighat and Tezpur and Barak, Subansiri, Dhansiri, Kopili, and others. Embankments have been breached in three locations and damaged in two more, while crop damage spans over 12,610 hectares. Nearly 100 animals have perished in the floods in the past 24 hours.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Lakhimpur district on Monday, one of the most severely affected areas, and assured comprehensive relief measures. He acknowledged that the breach of the Pachnoi river embankment in Amtola has caused extensive damage, and temporary diversions through a nearby stream are being considered to provide instant relief. Permanent repair work will be taken up after the monsoon in September.
Sarma also raised concerns about water releases from the Ranganadi Dam operated by NEEPCO in upstream Arunachal Pradesh, stating that sudden discharges create a “water bomb” effect. He warned that an inquiry would be conducted, and if mismanagement is found, officials would be held accountable.
Statewide disruptions continue, with 165 relief camps housing over 31,000 displaced people, while 157 distribution centres are active. Road, rail, and ferry transport have been hit hard. Trains in Silchar were cancelled or rescheduled due to waterlogging, and ferry services between Majuli and Jorhat remain suspended.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati forecasts more rain, including isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall, which could worsen the situation. Over 21,000 people are also affected by urban floods, including in Doboka, where the latest flood fatality occurred.
Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi visited families of landslide victims, and CM Sarma is set to inspect Cachar and Dima Hasao districts in the coming days.
With the monsoon intensifying, Assam remains on high alert as the state braces for continued hardship amid one of its worst flood spells this year.