Assam Flood Toll Reaches 41; Minister Cautions Against Unnecessary Risks
The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reporting 41 deaths since June amid the current wave of floods. As of Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at least 31 fatalities occurred in the preceding 48 hours, predominantly in the eastern districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, after touring affected areas, stated that not all flood-related deaths result directly from rising waters. He noted that some individuals have drowned or been swept away due to what he described as “flood curiosity.”
“I have interacted with many victims during my tour. They told me some people never returned after venturing out to satiate their curiosity about floods,” Mr. Mahanta said. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to avoid approaching overflowing rivers and to heed official advisories.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited the hardest-hit districts on Wednesday to review rescue and relief operations, reported that approximately 100 people remain missing. “The situation is extremely serious. Many villages remain underwater, and there are areas where rescue teams have not been able to reach yet,” he said.
According to the ASDMA, water levels in the Desang and Dikhow rivers in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri in Golaghat are rising. The authority has advised citizens to stay away from these rivers. Rescue teams are continuing search and relief operations, with the state government deploying additional resources to the affected regions.
Assam, located in northeastern India, experiences annual floods during the monsoon season, often leading to loss of life and widespread damage. This year's floods have been particularly severe, with multiple districts inundated and infrastructure damaged. Officials emphasize the importance of public cooperation to prevent further casualties.
