Assam Floods: Death Toll Climbs to 88, Sivasagar Grapples with 48 Fatalities

The relentless flood situation in Assam has worsened, with the death toll climbing to 88 across the state. Sivasagar district has emerged as the worst-affected region, accounting for 48 fatalities — more than half of the total deaths reported so far.

According to official data, most deaths in Sivasagar occurred in Nazira revenue circle, where 29 people lost their lives. Nine deaths were reported from Sivasagar town, six from Sonari, and two each from Amguri and Demow. The floods have destroyed hundreds of homes and severely disrupted livelihoods across the district.

Following Sivasagar, Charaideo district recorded 29 deaths, with many residents swept away by swirling river waters. Other districts reporting fatalities include Jorhat (9), Golaghat (4), Karbi Anglong (2), Dhemaji (1), Sonitpur (1), and Kamrup Metro (1).

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited the flood-hit areas of Sivasagar and Charaideo on Wednesday to assess the situation and meet affected families. He travelled on a tractor to reach marooned villages and relief camps, where he reviewed the damage and spoke with displaced residents about their living conditions.

Speaking to reporters, Nadda assured the state of complete central support. "On behalf of the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I assure Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the people of Assam that there will be no shortage of relief assistance. Complete financial support is being extended to the state," he said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited flood relief camps, said on social media: "Interacted with people in a flood relief camp and took stock of the ongoing relief efforts. We have assured affected families that they will be suitably compensated for damage to homes, cattle and other sources of livelihood."

"The floods have taken so much from you. It is now our responsibility to help you rebuild. Together, through determination and hard work, we will recover and move forward once again," Sarma added.

The annual monsoon floods have devastated large parts of Upper Assam, leaving thousands homeless and causing widespread damage to crops and infrastructure. Central teams have been deployed to assess the full extent of the damage, and the state government has ramped up relief operations in the affected districts.

Residents in marooned villages have been shifted to relief camps, where essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medicine are being distributed. Authorities have urged people in low-lying areas to move to safer locations ahead of further rainfall in the coming days.

Floods are a recurring challenge in Assam, but the current crisis has been particularly severe, with the death toll surpassing previous years' figures. Both the state and central governments have pledged adequate compensation to families of the deceased and assistance to those who have lost property and cattle.

Officials said relief and rescue teams are working round-the-clock to ensure that no affected family is left without basic necessities. Long-term measures, including strengthening embankments and improving early warning systems, are expected to be taken up once the waters recede.