Guwahati, July 22: Assam’s flood crisis took a devastating turn on Tuesday with 21 people losing their lives in just 24 hours, making it one of the deadliest days of the current flood spell, even as swollen rivers continued to inundate vast stretches of Upper Assam. The total death toll stands at 31.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority’s latest flood report, all 21 deaths were caused by floods, with Sivasagar accounting for 13 fatalities, followed by Charaideo (5), Golaghat (2) and Jorhat (1). The victims included 12 men, five women and four children, underscoring the human cost of the disaster.
The floods have now affected 5,64,660 people across 872 villages in 16 districts, while more than 24,210 hectares of cropland remain submerged. Sivasagar has emerged as the worst-hit district, with nearly 3.6 lakh people affected, followed by Jorhat and Charaideo.
The Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger mark at Neamatighat, while the Burhidihing and Dhansiri rivers also remained above danger levels. The Dikhou and Disang rivers were flowing above their highest flood levels, raising fears of further inundation.
Relief operations intensified across the affected districts. Authorities have opened 273 relief camps and distribution centres, sheltering more than 12,200 displaced people, while another one lakh people are receiving assistance outside camps. Rescue agencies, including the SDRF, NDRF and Fire & Emergency Services, have evacuated over 6,100 people using boats.
The deluge has also taken a heavy toll on agriculture and livestock. Nearly 1.85 lakh animals have been affected, while several roads remain damaged, disrupting connectivity in multiple districts.
