Assam’s flood crisis persists with over 5.24 lakh affected as death toll stands at 68

Guwahati/IBNS-CMEDIA: The death toll from the devastating floods in Assam remained at 68 on Tuesday, with the overall situation showing marginal improvement even as more than 5.24 lakh people continue to be affected across the state, according to media reports.

No fresh deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, NDTV reported.

Over 5 lakh people affected across six districts

According to the authorities, around 4.45 lakh people have been impacted in Sivasagar, Golaghat, Charaideo, Jorhat, Nagaon and Kamrup (Metropolitan) districts.

Charaideo remains the worst-hit district, with 1.88 lakh affected residents, followed by Sivasagar and Jorhat.

Relief and rehabilitation in full swing

Relief and rehabilitation operations are continuing in the flood-hit areas, with the Assam government reviewing the situation in the worst-affected districts and directing officials to expedite assistance to affected families.

Around 90 relief camps have been set up across the state, sheltering over 28,000 displaced people.

Meanwhile, connectivity in Upper Assam has been fully restored, marking a significant step in the recovery process after floodwaters disrupted road and communication networks.

An inter-ministerial central team has also visited flood-hit districts to assess the extent of the damage and evaluate the need for additional assistance and rehabilitation measures.

PM Modi reviews flood situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a meeting with Assam MPs to review the flood situation in the state.

“The Centre is working closely with the Assam Government in assisting those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being,” Modi wrote on X.

Himanta Biswa Sarma thanks Centre

Thanking the Prime Minister for his personal attention to the crisis, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said power supply has been restored in most of the flood-affected areas.

“Power has also been restored to the majority of the flood-affected areas and all those rescued are sheltered in relief camps with proper food, medical facilities and children’s areas,” Sarma said.

“We will keep working 24×7 to ensure a swift response during this crisis and thereafter present a comprehensive rehabilitation roadmap to assist our people, rooted in the principles of Jan Bhagidari,” he added.

Calls for long-term flood solution

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have called for stronger relief measures and a long-term flood mitigation strategy, arguing that Assam needs a permanent solution to its recurring flood crisis.

Civil society members and public figures have also stepped forward to support relief efforts. Singer Papon has appealed for nationwide assistance for flood victims, while actor Salman Khan, through his charitable initiatives, has begun distributing food and essential supplies in affected areas.

A recurring monsoon challenge

Assam faces severe flooding almost every monsoon due to the overflowing Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Heavy rainfall, riverbank erosion and siltation continue to contribute to widespread inundation across the state year after year.