Guwahati: The flood situation in Assam deteriorated further on Sunday, with one more person losing their life and the number of affected people rising sharply to over 57,000 across seven districts. As water levels continued to rise in several areas, the state government placed the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force on standby to assist with rescue and evacuation operations if required.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the latest fatality was reported from Sivasagar district, raising this year’s flood-related death toll to five. The disaster has now impacted 57,100 people in Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts, a significant increase from nearly 24,000 people affected across four districts a day earlier.
Among the worst-hit areas, Charaideo has recorded the highest number of affected residents at nearly 24,000, followed by Dhemaji with more than 22,000 people. Dibrugarh has also reported extensive flooding, affecting over 4,000 people.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to remain prepared for deployment as the flood situation continues to worsen in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts.
In a post on X, Sarma said the armed forces would support evacuation and rescue efforts if the situation demands immediate intervention.
To strengthen the government’s response, the Chief Minister directed cabinet ministers Ajanta Neog, Bimal Borah, Keshab Mahanta and Susanta Borgohain to visit the affected districts without delay. They have been tasked with overseeing rescue and relief measures and ensuring assistance reaches flood-hit families promptly.
Sarma said the safety of residents remains the government’s highest priority and added that he is monitoring the situation continuously to ensure timely action wherever necessary.
The ASDMA said 14 relief camps and relief distribution centres are currently functioning across four districts, providing shelter to 440 displaced people.
Rescue teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) evacuated 10 people from flood-affected areas of Charaideo during the day.
Over the past 24 hours, authorities distributed essential relief supplies, including 58.17 quintals of rice, 10.89 quintals of pulses, 3.26 quintals of salt and 326.88 litres of mustard oil to affected communities.
Floodwaters have submerged 298 villages across the state and damaged nearly 3,875 hectares of agricultural land. Several roads, embankments, bridges and other public infrastructure have also suffered damage.
The Burhidihing River continued to flow above the danger mark at Chenimari in Dibrugarh district’s Khowang area. The floods have additionally affected more than 37,500 livestock and poultry, adding to the challenges faced by residents in the inundated districts.