Assam floods: Over 1.55 lakh affected in 13 districts; death toll rises to 98
Guwahati, Aug 7
Assam's flood situation remained grim on Friday with more than 1.55 lakh people continuing to reel under the impact of the deluge across 13 districts, while the cumulative death toll in this year's floods has risen to 98, officials said.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 1,55,849 people are currently affected in 464 villages spread across 33 revenue circles in 13 districts.
Sivasagar remained the worst‑hit district with 48,286 affected people, followed by Golaghat with 58,750, Jorhat with 25,259, Charaideo with 12,779, Nagaon with 5,424, Darrang with 3,367 and Dhemaji with 1,265.
Crop fields measuring 10,748.64 hectares continue to remain submerged across the state.
The ASDMA report said 73 relief camps and relief distribution centres are operational across the affected districts, providing shelter and assistance to thousands of displaced people. A total of 10,326 inmates are currently staying in relief camps, while 6,881 people are receiving aid through relief distribution centres.
Authorities said the Dhansiri (South) river at Golaghat and Numaligarh, along with the Kushiyara river in Sribhumi district, continued to flow above the danger level on Friday morning. However, no river was flowing above its highest flood level.
The disaster has also affected livestock, with 47,879 animals reported impacted. Damage to residential structures has also been reported, with 126 houses fully damaged and 344 houses partially damaged in the affected districts.
Rescue and relief operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence personnel and other agencies continued in the affected areas.
The report said 219 rescue teams, eight boats and multiple medical teams have been deployed. At the same time, relief materials, including food grains, drinking water, baby food and other essential supplies, are being distributed among the affected population.
Authorities said they are closely monitoring the flood situation and have advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert as water levels in several rivers continue to fluctuate.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My heart goes out to all the families affected. The fact that 47,879 animals are also impacted shows how deeply this disaster cuts. Relief camps are functioning, but we need to think about rehabilitation, not just immediate aid. Kudos to the SDRF and volunteers working tirelessly. 🙏
Sivasagar and Golaghat are always the worst hit. It's a cyclical disaster that our governments have failed to solve for decades. While relief is essential, I wish we'd see more political will for permanent solutions like better drainage systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
This is so sad to read. 1.55 lakh people and zero media attention compared to other news. I'm glad relief camps are operational, but the numbers are staggering — 126 houses completely destroyed. Thinking of everyone in Assam today. 🌧️
Every year we see this news, and every year we promise to do better. The Center and State need to coordinate on a mega project for flood control in the Northeast. Also, why isn't there more scientific forecasting? Our farmers lose lakhs of rupees in crop damage — 10,748 hectares submerged is no small thing.
So grateful to the rescue teams who are out there in boats helping people. But I can't help thinking — what about the long-term displacement? Many families lose everything and can never really recover. We need better permanent housing for riverine communities. 🙏
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