Guwahati, 26 July (HS): In the flood-ravaged districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo, where thousands are struggling to rebuild their lives, grief has become yet another burden. Amid endless misery, several flood-affected families have been forced to perform the last rites of their loved ones in waist-deep water, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

With traditional cremation grounds submerged, grieving relatives have been seen setting up makeshift platforms over floodwaters to conduct the final rituals and pray for the peace of the departed souls. The heartbreaking scenes reflect the harsh reality confronting families who have lost both their homes and their loved ones.

The floods left large parts of Sivasagar and Charaideo under water, with the deluge rising above rooftops in many villages. Even as the water has started to recede in some areas, it has left behind a blanket of thick mud, making normal life almost impossible.

Inside homes, outside courtyards and across village roads, knee-deep slush now covers everything. Families are spending their days clearing mud, salvaging whatever little remains of their belongings and trying to restart life from scratch.

For the flood survivors, the disaster is far from over. As the waters retreat, they leave behind not relief, but a painful struggle for survival, dignity and hope.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash