Assam Floods: Toll Reaches 98, Over 1.55 Lakh Affected; Govt to Conduct Damage Audit
The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Saturday, with more than 1.55 lakh people still affected across 13 districts and the death toll in this year's deluge rising to 98 following one more fatality.
Assam, known for its extensive network of rivers, is among the most flood-prone regions in India. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries flow through the state, and during the monsoon season, heavy rainfall frequently causes these rivers to overflow. The resulting floods have been a recurring challenge for the region, impacting lakhs of people and causing extensive damage to property and agriculture.
A fresh death was reported from the Mahmora revenue circle in Charaideo district, taking the toll to 98. The affected districts include Sivasagar, Golaghat, Nagaon, Hojai, Sonitpur, Dhemaji, Darrang, Biswanath, Kamrup (M), Lakhimpur, Udalguri, Jorhat and Charaideo, officials said on Saturday.
Golaghat continued to be the worst-hit district, with 58,750 people reeling under the deluge. It was followed by Sivasagar with 48,286 affected and Jorhat with 25,259. The total number of affected people stood at 1,55,849, according to official figures. On Thursday, over 1.68 lakh people in 15 districts had been affected, indicating a slight improvement as floodwaters recede in some areas.
To manage the crisis, the administration is operating 55 relief camps, which are currently sheltering over 10,000 displaced persons. An additional 18 relief distribution centres are functional, ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to affected families. The floods have submerged crops across 10,748.64 hectares and affected over 47,000 animals, compounding the challenges for the region's agrarian economy.
In a move to expedite permanent rehabilitation, the state government will launch a door-to-door assessment of flood damage in the four worst-hit districts—Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat and Charaideo—from August 9 to 30. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the assessment would ensure that no affected household is left out and that the government would provide the maximum relief permissible under existing norms.
Sarma explained that once the initial assessment is compiled, the list would be re-verified with affected families to maintain accuracy. By September 10, the government expects to have a clear estimate of the funds required for rehabilitation. "Once we have the estimate of the funds, we can start providing the requisite financial assistance for permanent rehabilitation," he added.
The assessment process is expected to play a crucial role in the recovery phase. It will help the state government calculate the financial outlay needed for rebuilding houses, restoring infrastructure and compensating those who have lost their livelihoods. While immediate relief operations continue, the focus is now shifting towards reconstruction and long-term stability.
Officials said the administration remains on high alert and is continuously monitoring the water levels and relief operations. The recurring nature of floods in Assam has underscored the need for sustainable flood management strategies, including better embankment maintenance, early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness.
As the rains continue, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents. The state government's commitment to a systematic assessment is a step towards ensuring that relief reaches every deserving family and that the rebuilding process is both timely and inclusive.
