Guwahati (Rajeev Sharma): Assam’s flood emergency has intensified, with six additional deaths reported in the last 24 hours, pushing this season’s flood-related death toll to 95. The rising waters have also expanded the scale of the disaster, affecting more than 1.60 lakh people spread across 14 districts, according to the latest update from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Officials said two people each died in Sivasagar and Biswanath, while one fatality each was reported from Golaghat and Morigaon after floodwaters swept through the affected areas.
More Districts Grapple With Flooding
The number of people impacted has increased sharply over the past day, with floodwaters now affecting residents in Biswanath, Charaideo, Darrang, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Jorhat, Kamrup Metropolitan, Karbi Anglong, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, and Udalguri.
Among these, Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district, where more than 57,000 people have been affected. Golaghat and Jorhat follow with approximately 34,000 and 25,000 affected residents, respectively.
Relief Measures Intensified
The state government has expanded relief operations by running 105 relief camps and distribution centres in six districts. At present, these facilities are providing shelter and assistance to 44,523 displaced people.
Relief teams distributed large quantities of essential supplies over the past 24 hours, including rice, pulses, salt and mustard oil, to families stranded by floodwaters.
Villages Submerged, Farmland Damaged
ASDMA said floodwaters have inundated 563 villages, while nearly 16,952 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage, raising concerns over crop losses and farmers’ livelihoods.
The disaster has also caused widespread damage to roads, embankments, bridges and other public infrastructure, affecting transportation and daily life in several districts.
Meanwhile, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark, prompting authorities to maintain close surveillance as further rainfall could aggravate the situation.
Heavy Losses to Livestock
Apart from human casualties, the floods have also hit the livestock sector. According to official figures, 35,025 domestic animals and poultry have been affected, while 8,529 animals and birds have been washed away in the deluge.
Authorities said rescue, relief and restoration efforts are continuing across the flood-hit districts as teams remain on alert to respond to any further deterioration in the situation.
