Guwahati: Assam witnessed a marginal improvement in its flood situation on July 9, with the number of affected districts and people slightly declining. However, the overall crisis remains severe, as one more fatality was reported, taking the cumulative death toll from this year’s flood and landslides to 30.
According to a bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the latest casualty occurred in Morongi revenue circle of Golaghat district. Of the total deaths, six were caused by mudslides triggered by intense rainfall across the region.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the grim scenario in a post on social media platform X, attributing the persistent deluge to heavy rainfall in upstream areas. He assured that the government is actively involved in relief and rescue operations, stating, “Our Govt is on ground to assist people with all their needs and ensuring swift rescue and rehabilitation.”
Despite slight improvements, over 29,000 people continue to be affected by floodwaters across five districts—Golaghat, Nagaon, Hojai, Karbi Anglong, and Jorhat. Golaghat remains the worst-hit, with over 23,000 people impacted and several villages inundated.
The number of affected people stood at over 32,000 across six districts just a day earlier. The drop in figures, while encouraging, offers little relief to those still grappling with flooded homes and damaged infrastructure.
Relief efforts are underway, with more than 5,000 displaced individuals housed in 38 relief camps. An additional 24 relief distribution centres are functioning to provide essentials to affected populations. However, vast swathes of farmland—around 3,386 hectares—remain submerged, and 87 animals have been washed away, underscoring the scale of economic loss.
Rescue teams, administrative personnel, and local volunteers are continuing operations, particularly in Golaghat where the Dhansiri River is flowing above the danger level at two locations—Golaghat and Numaligarh.
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora visited several affected areas in Bokakhat constituency, including Kuruwabahi and Chinakana, to assess damage and review relief measures. He interacted with residents and urged officials to ensure aid and compensation reach the affected without delay.
The ASDMA bulletin also highlighted damage to public infrastructure, including roads and electricity poles, across multiple districts. As rains persist and rivers remain swollen, Assam continues to tread a precarious path between cautious recovery and looming threat.