Silchar
The flood situation in parts of Assam remained bleak on Monday as rainfall continued to inundate low-lying areas, with 45,839 people affected in seven districts but no deaths reported so far, according to the state government.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), flood waters affected 257 villages under 14 revenue circles in Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Chirang, Dibrugarh, Nalbari, Biswanath and Lakhimpur districts. The floods also destroyed 1,690 hectares of agricultural land.
Amid the deteriorating situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Prime Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday and inquired about the flood situation in Dhemaji, the worst-hit district.
“I thank Home Minister Amit Shah for his phone call and inquiry about the flood situation in Dhemaji,” Sarma said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister said that he briefed Shah on the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures. “I apprised him of the relief and rehabilitation measures currently underway. He also assured us of all possible support and assistance from the Government of India to deal with this situation,” he added.
Dhemaji remains the worst affected district, with more than 41,000 people affected in 176 villages under Junai, Sisiburgon, Dhemaji and Jogamukh revenue circles.
A dam collapsed in Junai after heavy inflow from Arunachal Pradesh, submerging nearly 100 villages overnight, officials said.
Police said that three people were swept away by the overflowing waters of the Simien River in the Junai district. Two were rescued, while one person is still missing, while government disaster response force teams continue searches.
Floods also disrupted transportation infrastructure. The North Eastern Frontier Railway has suspended train services on the Murkungsilik-Silapathar section after the railway bridge pier between Arcibatar and Simin Chabari stations was damaged due to strong river currents and erosion.
The situation was exacerbated by a landslide in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, blocking the flow of the Gai River, known locally as the Siji River. Arunachal Pradesh authorities have sought the help of the Indian Army to restore the course of the river in a controlled manner to reduce flooding downstream in Assam.
Several temporary bridges and other buildings were also destroyed in Chirang and neighboring areas, leading to a disruption of communications.
In Nalbari district, several villages in Tihu district, including Sandhili Makrabar and Barbet, were submerged for the second time in a week after the Mura Pagladia river overflowed.
In Lakhimpur district, river floods damaged roads and canals, including a canal on the Narayanpur-Simaloguri road, isolating several villages and disrupting school exams.
On the directions of the Prime Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta and Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain visited flood and erosion-affected areas in Dhemaji on Monday to review the rescue and relief operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kokrajhar, Chirang, Tamulpur and Baksa districts, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days.
The ASDMA said district administrations have been asked to remain alert as continued rainfall may further aggravate the flood situation. NDRF teams equipped with mechanized boats have also been deployed in the affected areas to enhance rescue operations.
Flash floods due to incessant rainfall also affected several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, raising the death toll to three. Two other people were missing, including a minor, and several homes were damaged by the flood.
Shah called the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on Monday to assess the flood situation.
“I express my sincere gratitude to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji for calling me today to assess the flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh. I apprised him of the evolving situation and the ongoing relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts. I deeply appreciate his prompt attention and unwavering commitment towards the welfare of the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” CM Khandu wrote on social media.
Two days ago, CM Khandu held a virtual meeting with the deputy commissioners of Kurung Kumi, Kara Dadi, Lower Subansiri, K Paniyur and Kamli on the flash flood.
“We reviewed relief and rescue operations, road restoration, medical response and availability of essential supplies, while discussing necessary measures to ensure timely assistance and early restoration of normalcy,” he said on social media. “The government remains committed to providing all possible support to the affected communities.”
