Guwahati, July 30: Even as floodwaters continue to recede across several parts of Assam, the state remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, with the death toll climbing to 78 and more than three lakh people still affected by the deluge, according to the latest official data.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that three more flood-related deaths were recorded during the past 24 hours—two in Sivasagar district and one in Golaghat—taking this year’s flood fatalities to 78.
Although the absence of significant rainfall in many parts of Upper Assam has helped water levels fall, officials said thousands of families continue to face hardship as several villages remain inundated and recovery efforts are still underway.
Among the worst-hit districts, Charaideo has the highest number of affected residents at 1,37,561, followed by Sivasagar with 84,600 people and Jorhat with 49,911. Overall, 3,00,031 people across Assam continue to be impacted by the floods.
Relief operations are continuing in the affected areas. More than 16,500 displaced people are currently staying in 71 relief camps, while another 30 relief distribution centres are supplying food and other essential items to over 72,000 people.
The flood situation also drew attention at the national level after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday to review the situation. During the conversation, Shah assured the state government of the Centre’s continued support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Sarma informed him that although floodwaters have receded in many places, numerous families are still unable to return home as their houses have either been damaged or remain filled with mud and silt.
Rescue and relief work is being carried out by multiple agencies, including medical and veterinary teams, to assist affected residents and protect livestock.
According to ASDMA, the floods have submerged nearly 21,523 hectares of agricultural land. The disaster has also affected livestock, with more than 11,000 animals reportedly washed away and another 17,000 impacted. Damage to roads, embankments, schools, houses and other public infrastructure has been reported from several districts.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated locations across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland between July 30 and August 1. Districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh, including Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, could receive intense rainfall, raising the possibility of fresh flooding in vulnerable areas.
In view of the weather forecast, the ASDMA has urged residents in vulnerable districts to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and take all necessary precautions. The authority said regular updates on the flood situation will continue to be shared through its official website and social media platforms.
