Eastern Assam Faces Worst Floods in 60 Years
Severe flooding across eastern Assam has caused widespread destruction, with a state minister describing the disaster as the region’s worst in six decades. Rescue operations are continuing as authorities search for more than 100 missing people.
Eastern Assam Floods Worsen Rapidly
The latest spell of flooding has affected around eight lakh people across 16 districts, with Sivasagar, Jorhat and Charaideo among the worst-hit areas. At least 50 people have died during the current monsoon season, while the casualty figures remain subject to revision as search operations continue.
The disaster intensified after exceptionally heavy rainfall and a reported cloudburst in neighbouring Nagaland sent large volumes of water into eastern Assam. Floodwaters inundated hundreds of villages, residential areas, tea estates and agricultural land.
Several rivers, including tributaries of the Brahmaputra, crossed danger levels as sustained rainfall increased pressure on embankments and drainage systems.
Assam Rescue Operations Intensified
The Indian Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police and local authorities have been deployed across affected districts. Thousands of stranded residents have been evacuated from submerged homes and isolated settlements.
Rescue teams are using boats and aircraft to reach areas cut off by floodwaters. Relief camps and distribution centres have been opened to provide temporary shelter, food, drinking water and medical assistance to displaced families.
Floods Damage Crops and Transport
More than 24,000 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged, while large numbers of livestock and poultry have been affected. Roads, bridges, embankments and other public infrastructure have also sustained damage.
Rail services were disrupted after water inundated tracks in parts of Upper Assam. Several trains were cancelled, diverted or operated over shortened routes. Authorities have warned residents to avoid riverbanks and flooded roads as further rainfall could complicate relief operations.
