Assam flood critical; 2.6 lakh still affected.
This year’s flood and landslide situation has become increasingly severe, with the total number of lives lost rising to 26. The devastating natural calamities have wreaked havoc across various regions, particularly in flood-prone and hilly areas, where heavy rains triggered both floods and landslides. Many families have been displaced, homes and infrastructure damaged, and communities left struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Authorities and relief agencies are actively engaged in rescue and rehabilitation operations, striving to provide aid and support to those affected. The situation underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and preparedness, especially in vulnerable zones where such events are recurrent.
Local governments, along with the central administration, are coordinating resources to ensure timely assistance reaches the victims. Meanwhile, meteorological departments have issued warnings about further potential rainfall that could exacerbate flooding and landslide risks.
Communities are urged to stay alert and follow safety advisories to minimize risks. The increasing death toll serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power and the importance of disaster management strategies to protect lives and livelihoods in the future.
Although there has been some relief in the form of receding water levels in many parts of the state, the overall impact of the floods remains severe.
A senior official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) informed PTI that the floodwaters have started to recede in nearly all inundated areas. This improvement is attributed to the lack of rainfall in most parts of Assam over the past 24 hours. The official expressed cautious optimism about the flood situation, stating, “If it does not rain today, we hope that the situation will improve considerably in most parts of the state.”
floods and associated landslides to 26. This rising death toll reflects the severity and widespread nature of the disaster, which has affected millions of lives across Assam.
This is followed by Hailakandi, with nearly 52,000 people affected, and Cachar, which has over 36,000 individuals reeling under the impact of floodwaters. These three districts alone account for a significant portion of the overall affected population in the state.
The state administration has been proactive in responding to the crisis. These camps are serving as crucial lifelines for flood victims who have lost their homes or cannot return due to unsafe conditions.
To support the flood victims, the authorities have distributed essential food supplies in the last 24 hours. This food aid is aimed at helping thousands of affected people who face food insecurity due to disrupted supplies and damaged infrastructure.
Currently, 741 villages remain submerged under floodwaters, making access and communication difficult. Agricultural damage has also been significant, with 6,311.16 hectares of crop areas reported to be destroyed across Assam. This loss of crops will have lasting consequences on the livelihoods of farmers and the food supply chain in the region.
Infrastructure has not been spared either. Embankments, roads, bridges, and other critical structures have suffered damage in many districts, hampering rescue efforts and delaying the restoration of normalcy. The disruption of transportation and communication networks adds to the challenges faced by the authorities in delivering timely assistance to remote and heavily affected areas.
Despite the severity of the floods, there is a positive note in the water level status of Assam’s rivers. This suggests that while the floods remain a serious concern, the immediate threat of catastrophic flooding due to river overflow has somewhat diminished, providing a window of opportunity for recovery and relief operations.
The widespread flooding has also severely impacted animal husbandry in the state. Over 1,44,597 domestic animals and poultry have been affected, highlighting the economic and nutritional implications for families dependent on livestock. The loss and displacement of animals add another layer of distress to already vulnerable communities struggling to cope with the floods.
The Assam government and disaster management authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
While the receding waters provide a glimmer of hope, the recovery from this calamity will be a long and challenging process. The government, along with NGOs and relief organizations, is expected to intensify its support to affected communities, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
The floods have once again underscored the vulnerability of Assam to natural disasters, emphasizing the need for strengthened disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable environmental management. The experiences of this flood season are likely to inform future policies aimed at mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Assam’s people.