Assam: Floods hit Dhemaji as Jiadhal River swells
Guwahati, Aug 1
A fresh spell of flooding hit Assam's Dhemaji district on Saturday after the Jiadhal River overflowed following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, inundating several low‑lying villages and damaging houses, officials said.
Officials said the sudden rise in the river's water level sent a fresh wave of floodwaters into vulnerable areas of the district, catching many residents off guard as water rapidly entered residential localities. Kamalpur‑Dharmapur village was among the worst‑affected areas.
A section of the Jiadhal River reportedly changed its course during the early hours of Saturday, triggering severe erosion and washing away the house of an older woman, identified as Anima Hazarika.
Residents of the village rushed to the spot after noticing the rapidly rising water. They rescued Hazarika along with her ailing daughter before the strong current completely swept away the structure.
While no casualties were reported, the family lost its home and belongings in the incident. Eyewitnesses said the older adult's daughter, who has been undergoing medical treatment, was visibly distressed as the floodwaters engulfed their house.
The latest flooding has once again exposed the vulnerability of Dhemaji district, where rivers originating in Arunachal Pradesh frequently trigger flash floods during periods of intense rainfall in the upstream areas.
Officials are assessing the extent of the damage, while local authorities have been monitoring the situation amid fears of further flooding if rainfall continues in the catchment areas.
Assam has witnessed multiple waves of floods during the ongoing monsoon season, affecting lakhs of people across several districts. The state government has been carrying out relief and rehabilitation measures, while disaster management teams remain on alert in vulnerable areas.
According to the latest official flood bulletin, over 11.45 lakh people have been affected across 25 districts in the current flood season, with relief operations continuing in flood‑hit areas as authorities work to minimise the impact of fresh inundation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Same story every monsoon. The rivers from Arunachal Pradesh keep flooding Dhemaji, and people lose everything. We need better river management and early warning systems for villagers living on the banks. This is not just an Assam problem, it's a national issue that needs urgent attention.
It's devastating to read about Anima Hazarika losing her home. The fact that her ailing daughter was rescued just in time is a miracle. Climate change is making these floods more frequent and severe. Our hearts go out to all the families affected in Assam 💔
Every year lakhs of people suffer, and every year we hear the same promises of relief and rehabilitation. Respectfully, the authorities need to think long-term — build embankments, monitor the river courses, and relocate vulnerable villages to safer areas. Temporary fixes are not enough anymore.
Just read the news and I can't help but think about the psychological trauma these people go through every year. Losing your home within minutes is unimaginable. The state government should focus on climate-resilient infrastructure in flood-prone districts like Dhemaji. We need action, not just statements.
This is terrible news. The people of Dhemaji show incredible resilience in the face of such recurring disasters. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all the affected families. I hope the authorities step up their response and provide proper support to those who lost their homes.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.