Floods – Assam Flood Tragedy Deepens as Death Toll Climbs Amid Widespread Damage
Floods –Heavy flooding has intensified the humanitarian crisis in Assam, where at least 21 people lost their lives over the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 31. The latest figures released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) highlight the growing impact of the disaster, as rising water levels continue to disrupt normal life across several districts. Rescue agencies remain on high alert while thousands of displaced residents rely on relief camps for food, shelter and medical assistance.
Casualties Rise Across Multiple Districts
The ASDMA reported that Sivasagar recorded the highest number of fatalities during the last 24 hours, with 13 deaths. Charaideo accounted for five deaths, while two people died in Golaghat and one in Jorhat. Officials continue to assess the situation as floodwaters remain high in many low-lying areas, raising concerns over further risks to residents.
More Than Five Lakh Residents Affected
The flood emergency has spread across 16 districts, affecting more than 5.64 lakh people. Among the worst-hit areas are Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Kamrup, Hojai, Biswanath, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Udalguri, Nagaon, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, Lakhimpur and Kamrup Metropolitan.
Authorities said floodwaters have inundated nearly 24,210 hectares of agricultural land, causing extensive damage to standing crops and affecting rural livelihoods. In addition, 872 villages spread across 44 revenue circles remain impacted, with many roads and public infrastructure submerged.
Sivasagar Faces the Largest Impact
Among all affected districts, Sivasagar has emerged as the most severely impacted, with more than 3.59 lakh people facing the effects of flooding. Jorhat follows with 87,662 affected residents, while Charaideo has reported 72,646 people impacted. Dibrugarh and Golaghat have also witnessed significant disruption, with 18,615 and 16,799 affected people respectively.
Officials continue to monitor river levels and weather conditions as emergency teams work to reach isolated communities where transportation has become difficult due to inundated roads and damaged connectivity.
Relief Camps Provide Shelter to Displaced Families
To support people forced to leave their homes, district administrations have established 273 relief camps and relief distribution centres across the affected regions. More than 1.14 lakh displaced residents are currently staying in these facilities, where authorities are providing food, drinking water, healthcare services and other essential supplies.
Relief officials are also coordinating the distribution of emergency materials to vulnerable communities while assessing additional requirements in areas that remain cut off by floodwaters.
Rescue Agencies Continue Emergency Operations
Large-scale rescue and relief efforts are being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Assam Police and local administrative authorities. Teams are using boats and specialised rescue equipment to evacuate stranded residents and deliver assistance to inaccessible locations.
One notable rescue operation took place near Seleng Ghat, close to Seleng Tea Estate under the Teok Revenue Circle in Jorhat district. Acting on information received from the District Disaster Management Authority on July 19, an NDRF team reached the flooded area and successfully rescued five people trapped by rising waters.
The operation was led by Inspector K.B. Nath under the supervision of Deputy Commandant N.K. Tiwari of the 1st Battalion, NDRF. Rescue personnel saved a young girl stranded on the roof of her submerged home, a man caught in strong flood currents and three women who had become isolated by floodwaters.
The team also evacuated an elderly woman suffering from severe hypothermia after prolonged exposure to cold water. Emergency medical care was provided at the site before all five rescued individuals were safely shifted to a designated relief centre for further treatment and rehabilitation.