Guwahati: Assam is once again in the grip of nature’s fury as relentless monsoon rains have led to widespread flooding across multiple districts. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 58,000 people across 12 districts have been affected by the heavy downpour. With no cyclone in sight, this is a purely rain-induced disaster — one that is fast intensifying.
The Worst-Hit Areas
Districts like Dhemaji, Cachar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, and Barpeta are among the most severely affected. The Brahmaputra River has crossed the danger mark in several locations, and embankments in vulnerable areas have begun to crack, raising fears of further inundation.
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175 villages submerged
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Death toll: 8 (as of June 1)
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Crop damage: Over 3,400 hectares
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Livestock affected: 12,000+ cattle and goats
Local reports mention landslides in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts, disrupting road transport and electricity supply.
Human Toll: “We Have Nowhere to Go”
In Dhemaji district, 42-year-old Renu Devi, who lost her house to the swelling waters, shared her ordeal:
“The water rose within hours. We grabbed whatever we could and ran. Now we’re living in a school-turned-relief camp with hundreds of others.”
Such accounts are emerging from almost every district as people are forced to abandon their homes, farms, and livestock.
Schools Turned Relief Camps
The state government has set up over 85 relief camps, offering temporary shelter, food, and medical aid. However, overcrowding and hygiene concerns remain critical. Social workers report shortages of clean drinking water, sanitary napkins, and infant food.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting rescue operations using boats, while air surveillance is being carried out by Indian Air Force helicopters in severely cut-off areas.
IMD Forecast: More Rain Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Assam and neighboring states for the next 48 hours. Orange alerts have been issued for 10 districts.
Dr. Mrityunjay Mahapatra, Director General of IMD, warned:
“This isn’t cyclone-related. These are pre-monsoon convective systems and trough movements. With high soil saturation, even moderate rain can cause flash floods now.”
Political and Relief Response
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted an aerial survey and has requested urgent central assistance. The state has asked for ₹500 crore in immediate flood relief funds. Meanwhile, opposition parties are demanding stronger embankment protection and pre-monsoon preparedness.
Nonprofits and citizen groups have also stepped in. Organisations like Guwahati Flood Relief Collective and Assam Seva Sadan are accepting donations and distributing food packets and tarpaulins.
