Assam Flood Crisis Deepens: 41 Dead, Over 6.5 Lakh Hit as Relentless Rains Batter State

Assam continues to battle one of its worst flood emergencies of the year, with the situation remaining critical as 41 people have lost their lives and more than 6.53 lakh residents across 11 districts remain affected by the deluge. Authorities fear the crisis could worsen further as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning over the coming days.

The flood situation deteriorated sharply after 10 people died within just 24 hours, pushing this year's death toll to 41. The latest fatalities were reported from Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Karbi Anglong and Dhemaji, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.

Among the worst-hit districts, Sivasagar has emerged as the epicentre of the crisis, with nearly four lakh people affected. Charaideo has over 1.11 lakh flood-hit residents, while Jorhat has more than 97,000 people struggling with inundated homes and damaged infrastructure.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), floodwaters have submerged 939 villages, while nearly 24,900 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, raising concerns over livelihoods and food security.

The state government has set up 487 relief camps and relief distribution centres across 10 districts, providing shelter and essential supplies to over 24,400 displaced people. Rescue operations remain in full swing, with the Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire services and civil authorities working together to evacuate stranded residents.

Officials said more than 8,500 people have already been rescued from the worst-affected districts. In remote and inaccessible areas, drones are being used to deliver food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies to marooned families.

Several rivers, including the Buridihing, Dikhow, Desang, Dhansiri and Kushiyara, continue to flow above the danger or severe flood levels, keeping authorities on high alert. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to visit the severely affected areas of Golaghat district as relief and rescue operations continue.

With fresh spells of rain predicted over the next four days, officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, while emergency teams stay on standby to respond to any further deterioration in the flood situation.