Assam Floods: 25% of Affected Areas Still Inaccessible, Death Toll Reaches 61

Guwahati, July 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that 25% of the flood-affected areas in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts remain inaccessible, nearly a week after the onset of severe flooding that has claimed 61 lives so far.

The floods, which began in mid-June, have primarily affected the two districts bordering Nagaland, along with Jorhat. The Chief Minister described the situation as 'grim', with close to 11 lakh people affected across more than 2,000 villages. Over 41,000 displaced individuals have taken shelter in relief camps.

However, a late-night update from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that 7.05 lakh people have been affected in 856 villages across 12 districts. An ASDMA spokesperson said, 'A total of 14 people died in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 61.'

The Chief Minister noted that state ministers are on the ground overseeing relief efforts. He expressed confidence in the state's ability to recover, with support from the central government and the public. 'We will do our best to stand with the ones who have lost their loved ones and their belongings, supporting them to rebuild their lives,' he said.

Mr. Sarma highlighted that Charaideo and Sivasagar districts received excessive rainfall on July 18 and 19, with a departure range of 435-490% from normal levels. This led to widespread submergence. 'The administration and the state government have not been able to reach 25% of the flood-hit areas in Sivasagar and Charaideo. They never received so much rainfall earlier,' he said.

Regarding relief efforts, the Chief Minister acknowledged public dissatisfaction with drone deliveries of food items, as packets were often damaged upon dropping. He said that affected people prefer conventional methods of carrying relief materials.

The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and National Disaster Response Force have been assisting the state government in rescue and relief operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Chief Minister that the Centre would send a team to Assam on July 25 to assess the damage.

In the state assembly, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta provided data on natural calamity deaths. Between 2014 and July 16, 2026, floods, storms, and lightning killed 1,525 people in Assam. He said the state government provides ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of each person who dies due to natural calamities.

Mr. Mahanta also noted that lightning strikes have killed 372 people since 2016, making them the second highest cause of natural disaster deaths after floods (836 deaths). Storms claimed 175 lives and landslides 93.

Responding to a question on riverbank erosion, Mr. Mahanta said the Brahmaputra and its tributaries have completely eroded 364 villages and partially eroded 797 villages to date, affecting approximately 696,450 hectares of land. He stated that there is no provision to issue an erosion-affected certificate, but rehabilitation is undertaken as per policies and subject to availability of suitable government land.