GUWAHATI: Assam’s flood death toll rose to 87 after two more fatalities were reported, while around1.28 lakh people across seven districts remain affected, according to the latest official bulletin.Floodwaters have started receding in several areas, but thousands of residents remain displaced, while agricultural land and homes continue to bear the impact of the inundation.The latest figures indicate a decline in the number of affected people from around 1.78 lakh across seven districts reported earlier.However, several villages remain inundated, and relief and rehabilitation efforts are continuing.
Sivasagar among worst-hit districts
Sivasagar remains one of the worst-affected districts, with around 60,000 people across 160 villages still impacted, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).Hundreds of residents in areas including Nimaijan and Betbari have moved to safer locations as floodwater remains inside homes.Residents have also reported damage to household belongings and property.The flooding has also affected agricultural land, with nearly 15,060 hectares of crop area reported submerged in the earlier assessment.Livestock has also been affected by the floods.
Villagers rescue over 1,000 stranded people
Amid the devastation, residents of Sivasagar’s Nepali Khuti area carried out a major community-led rescue operation after floodwaters rose rapidly.Villagers used six country-made boats to rescue more than 1,000 people from around five villages.Residents said people were trapped on rooftops, elevated platforms and trees as water levels surged.The rescuers continued their efforts despite having limited food and water, ferrying stranded residents to safer locations.
Relief, rehabilitation efforts intensified
The state government has intensified relief operations as the floodwaters recede in some areas.Earlier, 44 relief camps were sheltering around 15,000 displaced people, while 17 relief distribution centres were assisting more than 5,500 others.The government has also stepped up financial assistance for affected families.Around Rs 160 crore has been transferred to flood-hit households, while further assistance is being planned as damage assessments continue.The Centre has separately approved Rs 379.35 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund for Assam’s flood response.The government is also shifting its focus towards rehabilitation, including agricultural recovery and restoration of damaged public infrastructure.Community paddy nurseries and seedling distribution programmes have been launched to help affected farmers resume cultivation.Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also directed officials to assess damage to schools and other public infrastructure before reopening them and prepare restoration plans for damaged Namghars.With the immediate flood situation easing in parts of Assam, authorities are now focusing on compensation, rebuilding homes and livelihoods and addressing the longer-term challenges posed by recurring floods and riverbank erosion.
