Guwahati: The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with the death toll rising to 61 after 14 more people lost their lives on Friday, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Although rainfall has eased over the past two days and water levels in several major rivers are gradually receding, more than 11 lakh people continue to be affected across the state.
The disaster has prompted large-scale rescue and relief operations involving the state government, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and central agencies, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the Centre.
PM Modi Reviews Flood Situation with Assam CM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to review the evolving flood situation and the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Sharing details of the conversation, Sarma said the Prime Minister sought updates on the extent of the devastation, relief measures, and the challenges being faced by the state administration.
According to the Chief Minister, PM Modi expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and property and assured that the Government of India would provide every possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the flood-affected regions.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Flood-Hit Districts
The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are assisting civil authorities in rescuing stranded residents and delivering essential supplies to inaccessible areas.
Chief Minister Sarma said the government is working to ensure that relief reaches every affected family. He also announced plans to hold discussions with Army and Air Force officials to improve air-dropping operations and ensure rescue teams can reach every stranded person.
Sivasagar Worst-Hit as Death Toll Climbs
According to ASDMA, seven deaths were reported from Charaideo, six from Sivasagar, and one from Jorhat on Friday alone.
Sivasagar remains the worst-affected district, with the death toll rising to 27. The authority also confirmed that one person remains missing.
Flood impact across major districts includes:
- Sivasagar: Around 3.48 lakh people affected.
- Charaideo: Approximately 1.88 lakh people affected.
- Jorhat: Nearly 1.26 lakh people affected.
Overall, floodwaters continue to affect more than 2,000 villages across the state.
Water Levels Recede, But Crisis Persists
The state government said reduced rainfall in Assam and neighbouring states during the past 48 hours has led to a gradual decline in the water levels of major rivers.
However, 12 districts remain affected, including:
- Golaghat
- Charaideo
- Dibrugarh
- Hojai
- Nagaon
- Biswanath
- Jorhat
- Dhemaji
- Sivasagar
- Sonitpur
- Kamrup (Metro)
- Karbi Anglong
Authorities warned that despite improving river conditions, many villages remain inundated and normal life has yet to return.
Relief Camps Shelter Thousands
The Assam government has established 162 relief camps, currently housing more than 41,000 displaced people.
Chief Minister Sarma said the state has already released ₹111 crore to district administrations to strengthen relief operations.
So far, authorities have distributed:
- More than 14,000 quintals of rice
- Around 2,000 quintals of dal
- Nearly 58,820 litres of mustard oil
- Other essential relief materials
Officials said food distribution and emergency assistance will continue until floodwaters fully recede.
Health Teams Deployed to Prevent Disease Outbreaks
To prevent post-flood health crises, mobile teams from the Health Department and the Animal Husbandry Department have been deployed across affected regions.
These teams are providing medical assistance, monitoring disease outbreaks, and treating livestock to minimise health risks in flood-hit communities.
Central Team to Assess Damage
Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that an inter-ministerial Central team is visiting Assam to assess the extent of flood damage.
Alongside the central assessment, state teams will conduct detailed surveys using a mobile application to document losses and facilitate quicker rehabilitation and compensation.
Earlier this week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed the situation with the Assam Chief Minister and assured all necessary support from the Centre.
Guwahati Battles Urban Flooding
Apart from riverine floods in Upper Assam, Guwahati continues to grapple with severe urban flooding.
According to ASDMA, nearly 15,000 residents across 10 municipal wards have been affected by waterlogging.
To address the crisis, Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai chaired a high-level review meeting and directed the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite drain cleaning and desilting operations.
He also instructed officials to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and an annual maintenance calendar for the city’s drainage system to reduce the impact of future urban floods.
With relief efforts continuing on a war footing, authorities remain focused on rescue, rehabilitation and restoring normalcy as Assam battles one of its most severe flood spells this monsoon season.
