Assam Flood Death Toll Climbs to 87, Nearly 1.3 Lakh People Still Affected
IMD issues heavy rainfall alerts for neighbouring states, raising concerns over fresh flooding in several Assam districts.
Assam, Aug 04 : The flood situation in Assam showed signs of gradual improvement on Tuesday as water levels receded in several inundated areas. However, the crisis remained severe, with the death toll climbing to 87 after two more fatalities were reported from Sivasagar district. Nearly 1.3 lakh people across six districts continue to grapple with the impact of the floods, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Officials said Sivasagar remains the worst affected district, accounting for more than 55,000 affected residents. Charaideo and Jorhat have also witnessed widespread flooding, with nearly 35,000 and over 20,000 people impacted, respectively. Despite the gradual withdrawal of floodwaters, many villages remain cut off and residents continue to depend on relief assistance.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the situation could worsen due to forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Weather officials said the expected downpour in neighbouring states could influence river systems and increase the flood risk in adjoining districts of Assam.
A yellow weather alert has also been issued for large parts of Nagaland, with authorities monitoring the possibility of its impact on districts such as Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat. Disaster management teams have been placed on alert to respond quickly if rainfall intensifies over the coming days.
Relief and rescue operations continue across the affected regions. The state administration is operating 55 relief camps and distribution centres in five districts, providing shelter and essential supplies to over 11,000 displaced people. Medical teams, veterinary personnel and other emergency agencies have been deployed to support affected communities.
The floods have caused extensive damage to agriculture, with more than 14,230 hectares of cropland remaining submerged. Livestock losses have also been significant, with nearly 55,000 animals washed away and another 35,000 affected by the disaster, impacting the livelihoods of thousands of rural families.
Infrastructure damage has been reported from multiple districts, including breaches in embankments, damaged roads, schools, houses and other public assets. Meanwhile, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark, prompting authorities to maintain close surveillance of vulnerable areas.
Even as water levels show a declining trend in several locations, officials have urged residents in low-lying regions to remain cautious, warning that fresh rainfall in neighbouring states could trigger renewed flooding in parts of Assam.
