Floods – Assam Flood Situation Impacts Thousands Across Six Districts as Relief Efforts Continue
Floods –More than 37,000 people have been affected by flooding across several parts of Assam, according to the latest assessment released by the Assam Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS). The report states that one person lost their life in a flood-related incident in Sonitpur district, while authorities continue relief and restoration work in the affected regions.
Flood Impact Extends Across Multiple Districts
The latest DRIMS report identifies Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Jorhat, and Sivasagar among the districts experiencing flood-related disruptions. Overall, flooding has affected 12 revenue circles and 99 villages. Although no major river is currently flowing above the danger mark or its highest recorded flood level, rising water has inundated nearly 1,104 hectares of agricultural land, causing concern for local farmers and rural communities.
Lakhimpur Records the Highest Number of Affected Residents
Lakhimpur remains the district facing the greatest impact, with 35,696 people affected by the floods. Sonitpur follows with 1,178 affected residents, while Dhemaji has reported 158 people impacted. Officials continue to monitor conditions across all affected districts as water levels fluctuate and local administrations remain on alert.
Relief Distribution Underway
Authorities have established 20 relief distribution centres to support residents dealing with the aftermath of the flooding. While no temporary relief camps have been opened so far, nearly 6,984 people are receiving essential supplies and assistance through these distribution centres. Officials said the relief operations will continue based on the evolving ground situation.
Damage to Homes, Agriculture and Livestock
The flood has caused damage beyond residential areas, affecting agriculture and livestock across several districts. More than 16,000 animals have been impacted, while two animals were reported washed away by floodwaters. Residential losses include one house that was completely destroyed and 72 houses that sustained partial damage. The extensive flooding of crop fields is expected to have a significant effect on local agricultural activities.
Rescue Teams Respond in Sonitpur
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), carried out rescue operations in Sonitpur district. During these operations, 16 people were safely evacuated using boats from flood-affected locations. Officials also confirmed infrastructure damage in the district, including four damaged roads and a breach in an embankment within the Chariduar revenue circle caused by the overflowing Jiabharali River.
Temporary Measures Introduced in Waterlogged Areas
In Sivasagar district, local authorities have started temporary drainage measures to reduce waterlogging. These efforts include digging temporary earthen drains and installing Hume pipes to improve the flow of accumulated rainwater. The initiative is intended to provide immediate relief to residents until water levels recede.
Rising River Levels Disrupt Connectivity Near Majuli
The report also noted that the opening of gates at the NHPC dam led to a rise in the Subansiri River’s water level, resulting in flooding across more than 20 villages located near the Majuli-Lakhimpur border. In addition, sections of the under-construction Chelek-Dhunaguri road were washed away at three separate points, interrupting transport links and creating difficulties for nearby communities.
Soil Erosion Creates Additional Challenges in Chirang
Apart from flooding, heavy rainfall has intensified soil erosion in Chirang district. Residents of Nangalbhanga village and nearby areas are facing serious hardship after the swollen Nangal Bhanga River eroded large stretches of land. Several families have been displaced, and many people have lost their homes as the erosion continues to threaten settlements in the region.