Assam Floods: Death Toll Reaches 85, Over 1.36 Lakh Still Affected
Guwahati, August 2: The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Sunday, with over 1.36 lakh people still affected across five districts, even as three more deaths pushed the toll in this year's deluge to 85, according to an official bulletin.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said the three latest fatalities were all reported from Sivasagar district. The agency continued to monitor conditions in Charaideo, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Jorhat, and Sivasagar, where floodwaters have inundated 335 villages and damaged 15,422 hectares of farmland.
On Saturday, nearly 1.8 lakh people were affected across the same districts. The slight decline indicates a slow recession of floodwaters, but the situation remains critical in several areas, particularly Sivasagar, which remains the worst-hit district with over 55,000 people affected. Charaideo has over 40,000 affected, followed by Jorhat with 22,000.
The administration is operating 54 relief camps and distribution centres, providing shelter to 13,771 people. Officials said medical teams have been deployed to prevent waterborne diseases, and clean drinking water is being supplied to affected villages.
River monitoring reports show the Dhansiri river flowing above the danger level at Numaligarh, prompting authorities to stay alert in the downstream areas. Other rivers are reported to be flowing below the danger mark, but the situation could change with any fresh rainfall in upper catchment areas.
Assam, which lies along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, experiences severe flooding every monsoon. The current spell has affected thousands of families, damaged crops, and disrupted normal life. The state government has said it is undertaking rescue and relief operations on a war footing, while also preparing for post-flood rehabilitation.
Experts have repeatedly pointed to the need for long-term solutions, including better flood management infrastructure, erosion control along riverbanks, and climate-resilient farming practices. However, such measures require sustained investment and coordinated planning between states and the central government.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies and local volunteers have joined the administration in distributing food, medicine, and other essentials. Many families have returned to their homes as waters recede, but thousands remain in relief camps, uncertain of the condition of their houses and livelihoods.
The ASDMA has advised people in low-lying areas to remain cautious and follow instructions from district authorities. A helpline has been set up for those seeking assistance or information about missing persons.
As the monsoon season continues, the focus remains on minimising further loss of life and providing timely relief to those affected. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the flood situation improves further or deteriorates with new spells of rain.
