Guwahati: The death toll from this year’s floods in Assam has risen to 78, even as floodwaters recede in several parts of the state. More than 300,000 people continue to be affected, while fresh heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days has raised concerns over renewed flooding.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three additional deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, including two in Sivasagar district and one in Golaghat, taking the overall toll to 78.
The latest official bulletin said 300,031 people remain affected across the state. Charaideo is the worst-hit district with 137,561 affected residents, followed by Sivasagar (84,600) and Jorhat (49,911).
Although water levels have receded in many flood-hit areas of Upper Assam after a break in rainfall, authorities warned that the situation remains serious. An ASDMA official said the falling water levels have provided some relief to inundated villages.
More than 16,500 displaced people are currently staying in 71 relief camps, while another 72,000 people are receiving assistance through 30 relief distribution centres. Rescue and relief efforts continue with the support of multiple agencies, including medical and veterinary teams.
The floods have submerged 21,523.08 hectares of agricultural land. Officials said more than 11,000 animals have been washed away, while another 17,000 livestock have been affected. Damage has also been reported to embankments, homes, roads, schools and other public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, across parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland from July 30 to August 1. The weather department said districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh, including Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, could experience the heaviest rainfall.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the fresh spell of rain could slow recovery efforts and trigger further flooding.
