Assam flood toll rises to 47 as six more die; over 6.53 lakh people affected across 11 districts
Guwahati, July 24
The death toll in Assam's ongoing floods has risen to 47 after six more people lost their lives, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
Heavy rainfall has also led to waterlogging in several parts of Guwahati.
Earlier on Thursday, ASDMA reported that 10 people, including four children, had died in the floods over the previous 24 hours.
"Three people each died in Sivasagar and Jorhat districts, two in Charaideo district, and one each in Dhemaji and Karbi Anglong districts. So far, 41 people have lost their lives in the state due to floods," ASDMA said in its flood report issued earlier. It added that six people -- three men and three women -- remain missing.
The flood situation continues to remain grim, with more than 6.53 lakh people across 11 districts affected in the current wave of flooding. The affected districts are Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Charaideo, Kamrup, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Dhemaji, Hojai and Kamrup (Metro).
Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district, with 3,92,195 people affected, followed by Charaideo (1,10,755), Jorhat (97,690), Golaghat (25,591) and Dibrugarh (13,390). A total of 939 villages under 40 revenue circles remain inundated.
Amid the worsening flood situation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited a relief camp in Dergaon on Thursday and described the situation as "serious", saying he estimates the death toll could rise further.
The Chief Minister attributed the flooding in several districts to a cloudburst in neighbouring Nagaland.
"I estimate that the casualty figure will rise further. This entire situation arose because of a cloudburst in Nagaland. Water from the floodwaters severely affected our four districts. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called me just now and informed me that an inter-ministerial team will be sent to Assam today or tomorrow. I believe both governments will stand with the people during this time of grief," Sarma said.
Following incessant rainfall, water levels in the Brahmaputra and several of its tributaries continue to rise at multiple locations across the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Living in Guwahati, I can see the situation firsthand. The waterlogging in the city is getting worse each monsoon. While relief camps are helpful, we need sustained drainage improvements. The CM's quick response is appreciated, but climate change is making this an annual crisis.
Sad to see so many lives lost, especially children. The cloudburst in Nagaland shows how interconnected our states are. Hope the inter-ministerial team acts fast and provides real relief, not just political statements. Our northeastern states deserve better planning.
I appreciate the CM's transparency about the situation being "serious." But I must say, it's frustrating that every year we hear the same story. Where is the disaster preparedness? Sivasagar alone has nearly 4 lakh people affected. We need permanent solutions, not just relief camps. 😔
So many villages underwater, 939 villages in 40 revenue circles. This is a massive humanitarian crisis. The videos from Dhemaji and Golaghat are shocking. I'm donating to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Every citizen should do their bit to help our Assamese brothers and sisters.
It's 2024, and we still can't manage the Brahmaputra's annual fury? Yes, climate change is real, but we also need better river management, dredging, and flood-control measures. The loss of 47 lives, including children, is a national shame. 😢
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