Assam floods: 9 dead, 1.66 lakh affected across 304 villages in Jorhat
Jorhat, August 9
Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, on Sunday assured that the flood situation in Jorhat district is now under control, with the water level gradually receding, even as large-scale relief and rehabilitation efforts continue across the affected areas.
According to the latest assessment, around 1.66 lakh people have been affected by the floods in 304 villages across the district. The floods have so far resulted in nine casualties. There has also been significant damage to agriculture and loss of livestock.
Speaking to ANI on the Jorhat flood situation, Margherita said, "The devastating floods affected 166,000 people in our Jorhat district, across 304 villages. The casualty number is nine. There were 39 relief camps, with a total of 9,659 people staying in the camps. More than 17,000 animals were washed away, with a total of 118,000 animals affected."
With the water level receding, authorities have stepped up relief and rehabilitation measures. Medical assistance, public health services and other essential support are being provided to people affected by the floods.
The Central Government and the State Government are extending continuous support for relief, rehabilitation and medical assistance. Authorities are also working to ensure that essential services and assistance reach people in the affected areas as the district gradually moves towards recovery.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Assam's ongoing floods has reached 99, with several districts reporting casualties as the flood situation continues to remain grim across the state.
According to the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) Assam bulletin released on Saturday, the devastating floods have heavily impacted multiple regions, resulting in the loss of 58 males and 23 females, alongwith 18 children (12 males and 6 females).
Among the hardest-hit areas, Cachar district has recorded 22 deaths, while Sivasagar has reported 10 fatalities. Other severely affected districts include Karimganj (nine deaths) and Golaghat (seven deaths), along with casualties reported across Dhemaji, Nagaon, Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Karbi Anglong.
Rescue and relief operations remain underway in the affected areas as district administrations and revenue circles continue to monitor water levels and provide assistance to affected populations in the inundated regions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why are we seeing the same story repeat year after year? Every monsoon, Assam and other northeastern states face this devastation. The Brahmaputra flooding is predictable - we need better embankments, early warning systems, and long-term flood management plans. The ad-hoc relief and rescue operations are not enough. This is a national crisis that needs a permanent solution.
My heart goes out to the people of Jorhat and all of Assam. Losing livestock and crops is a huge blow for farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. The loss of 17,000 animals is terrible. The minister's assurance that things are under control is good news, but we must not forget that many are still in relief camps and need continuous support. Stay strong, Assam! 💪
This is such a tragic situation. It's difficult to comprehend the scale of destruction - 304 villages affected, 39 relief camps, and 118,000 animals impacted. I appreciate that the central and state governments are working together, but the recurring nature of these floods shows we need more robust infrastructure investment in the northeast. Praying for everyone affected. 🙏
The statistics are alarming - 99 deaths and over a lakh people displaced. While relief measures are important, we must also address the root cause. Illegal encroachment on riverbanks, deforestation in the catchment areas, and poor drainage systems are exacerbating the floods. Also, the Dredging Corporation projects for the Brahmaputra need to be accelerated. The Northeast deserves better attention from Delhi. This isn't just a state issue - it's a national priority.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.