Assam flood: Death toll rises to 87 even as water recedes in worst-hit districts

An advocate dries flood-damaged legal books and documents outside his residence after floodwaters receded, in the Santak area of Sivasagar district, Assam (Pic/PTI)

The flood situation in Assam showed signs of improvement on Tuesday as water levels receded across several inundated areas, but the death toll continued to climb, reaching 87 after two more fatalities were reported from Sivasagar district. Despite the gradual withdrawal of floodwaters, nearly 1.28 lakh people across six districts remain affected, while authorities continue relief and rehabilitation efforts.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the two latest deaths were reported in Sivasagar over the past 24 hours. Officials said that although rainfall continued overnight in several parts of Upper Assam, the receding water has provided some relief to residents who had been stranded by the deluge for days.

Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district as floodwaters slowly recede

ASDMA data showed that Sivasagar remains the worst-affected district, with more than 55,000 people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with nearly 35,000 affected residents, while more than 20,000 people continue to face difficulties in Jorhat district. Overall, around 1.28 lakh people remain affected across six districts.

To support those displaced by the floods, the state administration is operating 55 relief camps and relief distribution centres across five districts, where nearly 11,250 people are currently taking shelter. Medical teams, veterinary staff and disaster response personnel have also been deployed to assist affected communities and minimise further losses.

IMD warnings raise fear of renewed flooding in Assam

While the overall flood situation has improved, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of fresh spells of extremely heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya over the coming days, raising concerns that water levels in Assam could rise again.

The weather department has issued orange and red alerts for several districts in the two neighbouring states, including East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, along with Papumpare, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, East Siang, Lohit and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall in these regions could affect adjoining districts of Assam through increased river discharge and runoff.

A yellow alert has also been issued for large parts of Nagaland, with the weather department cautioning that districts such as Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat in Assam could also experience the impact of the changing weather conditions.

Crop losses, damaged infrastructure and livestock continue to add to the crisis

Authorities said floodwaters continue to affect agriculture and public infrastructure across the state. More than 14,230 hectares of cropland remain submerged, affecting farmers at the peak of the cultivation season.

The ASDMA also reported that nearly 55,000 animals have been washed away in the floods, while another 35,000 livestock have been affected.

Extensive damage has also been reported to embankments, roads, houses, schools and other public infrastructure across the flood-hit districts.

Meanwhile, officials said the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark, and authorities are closely monitoring river levels while continuing rescue, relief and restoration operations in vulnerable areas.

(With inputs from PTI)