Assam flood situation worsens; Army requested to remain on standby
Guwahati, July 19
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state government has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to remain on standby for possible evacuation and rescue operations as the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts continues to deteriorate.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the state government has taken the step as a precautionary measure to ensure a swift response if the flood situation worsens further in the affected districts.
"As the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat continues to worsen, the Government of Assam has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to be on standby to support evacuation and rescue operations, if required," Sarma said.
The Chief Minister also directed four senior ministers - Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta and Cabinet Minister Sushanta Borgohain - to immediately visit the affected areas to oversee relief measures.
According to Sarma, the ministers have been instructed to supervise relief operations on the ground and ensure that every flood-affected family receives timely assistance from the administration.
"I have also directed my colleagues, Smt. Ajanta Neog, Shri Bimal Bora, Shri Keshab Mahanta and Shri Sushanta Borgohain to immediately reach the affected areas, supervise relief efforts and ensure that every affected family receives timely assistance," he said.
The Chief Minister asserted that the safety and well-being of the people remain the state government's highest priority and said he is personally monitoring the evolving flood situation round the clock.
"The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority. I am monitoring the situation round the clock, and we will take every necessary step to protect lives and provide all possible relief," Sarma added.
The fresh statement comes amid rising floodwaters in parts of Upper Assam, with authorities intensifying preparedness and relief measures in vulnerable districts.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm from Jorhat and my family is stranded right now. The water entered our house last night. We need immediate relief - boats, dry food, medical aid. This is not just "precautionary" anymore, it's an emergency. Please ensure the ministers actually visit the ground level, not just do helicopter surveys. 🙏
While this is a good step, I'm concerned about the long-term. Every year we hear the same story. Why not invest more in flood management - dams, embankments, early warning systems? The Brahmaputra Board has been sleeping for decades. Also, the four ministers visiting is fine but they should be accompanied by disaster response experts, not just political aides.
I appreciate that the CM is monitoring round the clock, but the real test will be execution. Words are cheap when villages are submerged. The Army is great for rescue but we need NDRF and SDRF boats deployed NOW. Also, please set up adequate relief camps with sanitary facilities - last year many women suffered due to lack of privacy. 🚨
Sivasagar here. The situation is really bad - water is chest deep in some areas. The CM's tweet is fine but we need actual boats and helicopters today. Why wasn't the Army called earlier? The weather department had warned a week ago. The political class is always too slow to act. Hope the ministers actually wade into the water, not just sit in circuit houses.
As someone who's worked on flood relief in Assam before, I can say the CM
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