The death toll in Assam floods now stands at 47 after six more deaths were reported in Sivasagar and Charadeo districts, officials said on Thursday.
State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that between 70 and 80 people were still missing, and the number could rise further.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), four of the deaths were reported from Nazira in Sivasagar district while two were reported from Mohmara in Charadeo district.
Although ASDMA has not confirmed any people missing due to the floods, the Prime Minister, during a visit on Thursday, said between 70 to 80 people were missing.
He added: “In Sivasagar, nearly 70 are missing, and overall, at least 80 are missing, and the number of deaths may rise in the coming days.”
Read also: The flood situation in Assam remains grim with 41 people killed so far and over 727,000 affected.
The Prime Minister announced that the family members of the deceased would be extradited $4 lakh each as ex-gratia.
According to the latest ASDMA report, as many as 721,024 people across 37 revenue districts in 13 districts have been affected by the floods while 24,124 have taken shelter in relief camps.
Wildlife is affected
About 3.71 lakh domestic animals were also affected while many of them were washed away by flood waters. More than 25,375 hectares of agricultural land were flooded.
Operation Jal Rahat
The Indian Army on Thursday said that, under Operation Jal Rahat, more than 1,000 stranded people were rescued, and many of them were also provided with medical assistance.
“More than 1,000 people were rescued, more than 200 received medical assistance, and basic relief supplies were distributed to affected communities,” the army said, adding that it was also restoring vital connectivity and supporting the revival of essential services.
“Despite the difficult flood conditions, flood relief columns of the Red Shield Division under the command of Spear Corps continue relief operations across Sivasagar, Charadeo and Jorhat in Assam. The Indian Army remains steadfast in the service of the nation,” the Army stated.
Along with the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Assam Rifles and Fire and Emergency Services are overseeing rescue operations in the affected areas.
According to state government data, security forces have evacuated 24,458 people so far, and Indian Air Force helicopters are also being used in rescue operations.
CM Sarma said that the severe floods in upper Assam were caused by heavy rainfall in both Assam and Nagaland.
He said that once the immediate crisis subsides, the Assam government will start a structured dialogue with neighboring states to create a stronger coordination mechanism that can better protect people from the impact of upstream cloud storms and similar disasters in the future.
According to Sarma, Assam is at a geographical disadvantage.
“We have mostly plains, while most of the neighboring states, be it Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya or others, are hilly states. When it rains there, the water comes down to our side, causing floods,” he said.
According to ASDMA, major rivers, including Buridhing, Dikhu, Desang, Dhansiri and Kushiara, are flowing above the danger level.
More than 400 concrete structures were damaged by the floods, while 1,848 homes were partially damaged.
