Assam Floods Kill 98, Affect 1.55 Lakh, Government Begins Damage Assessment

The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Friday, with the death toll rising to 98, even as the overall number of affected districts and people showed a decline, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

The latest fatality was reported from the Mahmora revenue circle in Charaideo district. Floodwaters continued to affect 13 districts, 33 revenue circles and 464 villages, with 1,55,849 people still impacted. The number of affected districts has fallen from 15 a day earlier, while the affected population has declined from more than 1.68 lakh.

Golaghat remains the worst-hit district, with 58,750 people affected, followed by Sivasagar with 48,286 and Jorhat with 25,259. Authorities are operating 55 relief camps, providing shelter to more than 10,000 displaced residents. Another 18 relief distribution centres are functioning to provide essential supplies.

The river situation remains a concern. The Dhansiri river is flowing above the danger mark at Golaghat town and Numaligarh, while the Kushiyara has also crossed the danger level in Sribhumi district.

The floods have submerged 10,748.64 hectares of agricultural land, while more than 47,000 animals have been affected. Roads, bridges and houses have also suffered damage in several districts.

With the floodwaters gradually receding in some areas, the Assam government is preparing to shift its focus from immediate relief to damage assessment and rehabilitation. A door-to-door assessment is scheduled to begin on August 9 in Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat and Charaideo and continue until August 30.

Officials will document damage through photographs and a dedicated digital application before verifying claims with affected families. The government expects to assess the funds required for permanent rehabilitation by September 10, marking the next phase of the state's response to the prolonged flooding.