The flood situation in eastern Assam has shown slight improvement as incessant rainfall eased across most parts of the State, but the death toll has risen to 66 and hundreds of villages remain inundated.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly seven lakh people in 12 districts have been affected by the current wave of floods. More than 35,000 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, while over 25,000 people have taken shelter in hundreds of relief camps set up by the district administrations.
Sivasagar district remains the worst affected, with around three lakh people impacted, followed by Charaideo and Jorhat. Other flood-hit districts include Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Hojai, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Dhemaji and Kamrup.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to review the rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas. Expressing deep condolences over the loss of lives and property, the Prime Minister assured the State government of all possible support for relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the devastation caused by the floods and prayed for the safety of those affected. She expressed hope for the well-being of all personnel engaged in rescue, relief and rehabilitation work, saying, "The nation stands in solidarity with the people of Assam."
On the ground, personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Air Force, along with officials of the civil administration and volunteers, continue round-the-clock rescue and relief operations.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya chaired a high-level review meeting with office-bearers of the Assam unit of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) at Lok Bhavan to assess the ongoing humanitarian response. Stressing the need for a robust and proactive approach, the Governor urged all agencies to streamline emergency response mechanisms and emphasized preventive measures against possible outbreaks of water-borne and vector-borne diseases in the post-flood period.
Despite extensive rescue efforts, thousands of affected families remain deprived of essential relief materials, including safe drinking water and healthcare services. Massive damage has also been reported to embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, a central team has arrived in Assam to assess the flood situation in the eastern districts. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had informed Chief Minister Sarma about the team's visit during a recent conversation. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the flood situation in Assam was discussed in detail at the latest Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister and added that the Centre and the State government are maintaining close coordination to tackle the crisis.
Chief Minister Sarma has directed State ministers Bimal Bora, Sushanta Borgohain, Pijush Hazarika, Keshab Mahanta and Ajanta Neog to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.
Referring to the possible cause of the floods, Sarma said that while it was initially believed that a cloudburst in the Naga Hills had triggered the deluge, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had not confirmed any such event in Nagaland or Assam. He, however, stated that Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland, along with adjoining districts of Assam, received exceptionally heavy rainfall, causing rivers to swell and inundate downstream villages.
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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati
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