Assam Flood Crisis: Death Toll Reaches 89, Over 1.22 Lakh Affected
The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Wednesday (August 5, 2026), after overnight rains threatened fresh inundation in low-lying areas. The state's flood-related death toll has reached 89, and more than 1.22 lakh people remain affected across five districts, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Officials said low-lying areas, already reeling from the earlier spell of rain, are at particular risk of fresh inundation. The ASDMA has cautioned that fresh spells of rain could aggravate the situation further.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda is scheduled to visit the flood-hit areas during the day to assess the situation and review relief and rehabilitation measures with state officials. The visit comes as the administration continues to grapple with the deluge that has forced thousands to leave their homes. Nadda is expected to hold discussions with state officials on medical response and public health measures for those displaced. He is also likely to visit some of the relief camps to assess the living conditions of the affected people, officials said.
The ASDMA reported that the Dhansiri river at Numaligarh in Golaghat district continued to flow in a "severe flood situation" on Wednesday morning. An ASDMA spokesperson said, "Due to the continuous rise in the water level of the Dhansiri at Numaligarh, citizens are advised to stay away from the river." The river has been flowing above the danger mark for some time, adding to the worries of residents in the region. People living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain alert and follow safety instructions.
The latest flood bulletin said two more people died in the last 24 hours, one each in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts, taking the death toll to 89. Over 1,22,100 people remain affected, with Sivasagar being the worst-hit district where nearly 60,000 people have been impacted. Charaideo has over 31,000 affected, and Jorhat nearly 20,000. The five affected districts are spread across the central and eastern parts of the state, where the river systems are under pressure. The affected population includes many children, women and elderly people, who have been moved to safer locations where possible.
The administration is operating 55 relief camps and relief distribution centres in four districts, where 17,857 displaced people are currently taking shelter. Medical and veterinary teams, along with other agencies, continued relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Rescue teams are working to evacuate people from submerged villages and provide essential supplies such as drinking water, food packets and medicines to those stranded. Officials said basic amenities, including food and medical care, are being provided at the camps.
The floods have submerged 15,342.92 hectares of agricultural land, affecting thousands of farmers who depend on the kharif crop for their livelihood. Additionally, 26,575 domestic animals and poultry have also been impacted. The deluge has caused extensive damage to embankments, roads, houses, schools and other public infrastructure in several parts of the state, the ASDMA said. Repair and restoration work is expected to take time once the water recedes, officials added.
Assam, which experiences annual monsoon floods, is particularly vulnerable to the Brahmaputra and its tributaries overflowing during heavy rains. The Dhansiri river, which flows through Golaghat district, is one of the key rivers currently under pressure. The ongoing rains are expected to keep the situation challenging in the coming days, with low-lying areas at risk of fresh inundation. The state has faced recurring flood crises over the years, and current efforts are focused on minimising further loss of life and property.
State authorities have urged people living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with relief agencies. The ASDMA has been issuing regular bulletins to keep the public informed about water levels and affected areas. Relief operations are continuing, with officials ensuring that essential supplies reach those in need. The government has assured all possible support to the affected families, while rescue teams remain on standby for any further incidents. The recurring floods highlight the challenges posed by the region's geography and the need for sustainable mitigation strategies. Authorities will continue to monitor water levels and issue updates as the situation evolves.
