Guwahati, 30 July (HS): Although floodwaters are steadily receding across Assam, thousands of affected families continue to struggle to rebuild their lives. The worst-hit upper Assam districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat remain engaged in extensive relief and rehabilitation efforts by government agencies and voluntary organisations.

According to the latest report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) based on data till July 29, all major rivers in the state are now flowing below the danger level. However, three more bodies—two in Sivasagar and one in Golaghat—were recovered, taking the flood-related death toll to 78.

Floods continue to affect 3,00,031 people across seven districts—Charaideo, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Nagaon, Biswanath, Jorhat and Kamrup (Metro). A total of 551 villages under 21 revenue circles remain inundated, while 21,523.08 hectares of agricultural land are still under water.

The state government is currently operating 71 relief camps and 30 relief distribution centres, providing shelter to 16,567 people. Another 72,210 non-camp residents are receiving relief assistance through distribution centres.

Flood-hit areas continue to face fresh challenges as receding waters have left thick layers of silt inside homes and schools, making rehabilitation difficult. ASDMA reported that 17,021 animals remain affected, including 6,342 large animals, 6,001 small animals and 4,678 poultry birds. In addition, 11,170 livestock, all from Jorhat district, were washed away in the floods.

Damage assessment has revealed extensive destruction of houses, particularly in Sivasagar district, where 56 kucha houses and two pucca houses were completely damaged, while 105 kucha and 29 pucca houses suffered partial damage. Besides, 58 huts and 54 cattle sheds were also damaged.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the SDRF, NDRF, Army, Air Force, police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration and trained Civil Defence volunteers. The government has deployed 108 medical teams and 20 boats in flood-affected areas.

Relief materials distributed so far include 402.86 quintals of rice, 71.667 quintals of pulses, 21.5531 quintals of salt, 2,443.967 litres of mustard oil, along with 866.52 quintals of wheat bran and 29.95 quintals of rice bran as cattle feed.

The floods have also caused widespread damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Assam Legislative Assembly concluded its Budget Session on July 29, two days ahead of schedule, due to the prevailing flood situation.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash