Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The flood crisis in Assam turned lethal, with the death toll climbing to 47. Six additional fatalities were reported over the last 24 hours, including four in Sivasagar and two in Charaideo. Over 7.21 lakh people now face displacement across 11 districts, a sharp rise from the 6.43 lakh recorded on July 23.
Sivasagar remains the hardest hit with 3.75 lakh residents impacted. Charaideo and Jorhat follow with 1.86 lakh and 1.15 lakh people affected, respectively. Floodwaters have swallowed 25,375.44 hectares of farmland. Across 37 revenue circles and 883 villages, 103 relief camps currently house 24,124 displaced individuals, while 255 distribution centres provide essential aid.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed Union Home Minister Amit Shah is dispatching an inter-ministerial central team. Officials from various ministries are expected to land immediately to inspect the damage. "I received a call from Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji. In view of the unprecedented flood situation in Assam, he informed me that an inter-ministerial central team will soon visit the state to assess the extent of the damage and help determine the Central assistance required for rebuilding livelihoods," Sarma stated. The Chief Minister also warned that 70 to 80 people remain missing, meaning the casualty figures will likely grow.
A cloudburst in Nagaland triggered the deluge, compounded by 436 per cent above-normal rainfall. Further risks persist as the Doyang Hydel Power Project releases water from its reservoir. The Burhidihing, Dikhou, Disang, Dhansiri, and Kushiyara rivers continue to crest above danger levels. The Army, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF remain deployed for rescue operations.
Political tensions mirrored the chaos in the capital. The Assam Assembly faced disruptions as Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi was suspended after climbing onto his desk to protest the Speaker's refusal to discuss the flood crisis. Authorities are now coordinating with the Centre to develop a rehabilitation package and long-term mechanisms for managing upstream runoff.
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