Assam Flood Situation Improves Gradually; CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Conducts On-Ground Review

GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam continued to show signs of easing on Monday, though several districts in eastern and central parts of the state remain affected by lingering waters from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. According to the latest updates, over 1.36 lakh people across five districts are still impacted, with the death toll reported around 82-85.

HINDI TUTION

Floodwaters have receded in many areas compared to peak levels in late July, but localized flooding, waterlogging, and riverbank erosion persist in vulnerable pockets. Key affected districts include Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, and others like Dibrugarh and Sonitpur. Around 160-349 villages (figures vary by latest bulletins) remain inundated.

Major rivers like the Brahmaputra and its tributaries (Dikhow, Dhansiri, etc.) are showing improving trends but remain under watch. Stagnant water in low-lying areas continues to pose risks of disease and infrastructure damage.

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Human and Material Losses

• Casualties: The death toll stands at approximately 82 (with some reports citing up to 85), including recent fatalities mainly from drowning and related incidents. No major fresh deaths were reported in the immediate past 24 hours in some bulletins.
• Affected Population: Around 1.36 lakh to 1.92 lakh people (latest varying estimates) across the impacted districts. Charaideo and Sivasagar have been among the worst-hit.
• Villages and Districts: Flooding affects multiple districts (reports mention 5-7), with hundreds of villages submerged at peak.
• Other Damages: Significant crop area (around 15,000+ hectares in earlier reports) submerged, livestock losses (over 1,500 animals washed away), and damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Thousands of families displaced.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Visit and Relief Measures

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is on an extensive four-day tour (August 2-5) of flood-ravaged eastern districts, including Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Charaideo. On Monday, August 3, he visited heavily affected areas such as Nepali Khuti village (along the Assam-Nagaland border in Sivasagar), Santak, Bihubar, Nazira, Sumonigaon, and Sonari town wards.

• The CM interacted with affected families, met people in relief camps, and reviewed ongoing rescue and relief operations on the ground.
• He has promised full rehabilitation support and directed swift damage assessment.
• The state government has initiated direct benefit transfers: ₹15,000 interim assistance to around 75,000 affected families (part of nearly ₹160 crore credited so far). Electricity bill waivers and other support measures are also being rolled out from August 3.
• Ex-gratia payments announced earlier include enhanced aid (up to ₹9 lakh per bereaved family in some cases).

Relief Operations:

• Around 44 relief camps sheltering ~15,000 people, plus distribution centres supporting thousands more.
• Coordinated efforts by Army, IAF, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration for rescues (including community-led boat operations saving hundreds).
• Central government approved ₹370+ crore under SDRF. Damage assessment on lives, infrastructure, and property is underway, with full exercise planned soon.

Significant contributions from private entities and celebrities have bolstered efforts, including donations from Reliance Foundation, Gautam Adani (₹11 crore + supplies), and others.

The CM has emphasized community resilience and urged faster restoration of power, schools, and normalcy. Authorities continue monitoring river levels and disease risks in waterlogged areas. The situation is expected to improve further with no major fresh rainfall predicted in the immediate term, though Assam’s perennial flood vulnerability remains a long-term challenge.