Assam Flood Death Toll Hits 78, IMD Warns of More Rain; 3 Lakh Still Affected

Assam Flood Toll Climbs to 78; Over 3 Lakh Still Affected, IMD Warns of More Rain

The death toll from this year’s floods in Assam rose to 78 on Wednesday after three more people died in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts, even as more than three lakh people remain affected across seven districts, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

The latest deaths include two people from Sivasagar and one from Golaghat. Floodwaters continue to affect 3,00,031 people across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Kamrup Metropolitan districts. A total of 551 villages in 21 revenue circles remain inundated, while over 21,500 hectares of agricultural land are still submerged.

Charaideo remains the worst-hit district with 1.37 lakh affected people, followed by Sivasagar (84,600) and Jorhat (49,911). Although the number of affected people has declined from 3.32 lakh a day earlier, authorities said relief operations remain in full swing.

More than 16,500 displaced people are staying in 71 relief camps, while over 72,000 others are receiving aid through 30 relief distribution centres. Medical teams, veterinary staff and rescue agencies continue to assist affected communities. The floods have also damaged roads, embankments, schools and houses, while over 11,000 animals have been washed away and another 17,000 livestock impacted.

Guwahati continues to battle urban flooding

Urban flooding persisted in parts of Kamrup Metropolitan district, with three revenue circles and 10 localities, including Lachit Nagar, Zoo Road, Hatigaon, Rukminigaon and Anil Nagar, remaining waterlogged. Officials said no population has been officially recorded as affected by the urban flooding.

Amit Shah reviews situation, assures Centre’s support

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday to review the flood situation and ongoing relief efforts. Shah assured the state of continued assistance from the Centre for relief, restoration and rehabilitation work.

Sarma said the flood situation has improved as there has been no heavy rainfall since July 21, but the scale of destruction remains severe. Many families are unable to return home because their houses have been damaged or filled with mud and silt, while roads in several areas remain blocked due to debris washed down from the Nagaland hills.

The Chief Minister also announced a meeting with banks operating in Assam on Thursday to discuss relief measures for flood-affected borrowers, following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Army chief reviews relief operations

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth reviewed flood relief operations during a two-day visit to the Eastern Theatre, where he assessed operational preparedness and commended troops assisting civil authorities in rescue and relief efforts across the region.

IMD forecasts heavy rain for next three days

Even as floodwaters recede, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland between July 30 and August 1.

An orange alert has been issued for Tinsukia district, while adjoining districts in Nagaland are also under alert. The weather office warned that fresh rainfall could trigger waterlogging, flash floods, localised landslides and disrupt transport in vulnerable areas.

With fresh rain on the horizon, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow official advisories as emergency teams stay on high alert.