Guwahati, 31 July (HS): Flood conditions in Assam continue to improve gradually, but the devastation remains severe in several Upper Assam districts, particularly Sivasagar, where villages are buried under thick layers of silt and many families are struggling to rebuild their lives after the floodwaters receded.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), as of July 30, floods continue to affect 2,12,441 people across eight districts—Golaghat, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Charaideo, Kamrup (Metro), Jorhat, Dhemaji and Nagaon. A total of 437 villages under 21 revenue circles remain inundated, while 17,198.09 hectares of agricultural land are still under water.

The Dhansiri River at Numaligarh is flowing above the danger level, keeping residents on alert. Meanwhile, two more bodies were recovered in Sivasagar district, taking the statewide flood death toll to 80.

The state government is currently operating 62 relief camps and 50 relief distribution centres, providing assistance through a total of 112 relief facilities. Around 13,294 people are staying in relief camps, while 62,289 non-camp residents are receiving relief supplies.

The floods have also severely affected livestock, with 2,97,384 animals impacted, including 19,930 large animals, 14,659 small animals and 2,62,795 poultry birds. In Sivasagar alone, 3,635 animals were washed away by floodwaters.

Infrastructure damage has been significant. Official figures show 89 kucha houses were completely destroyed in Sivasagar, along with two pucca houses. Additionally, 150 kutcha houses and 168 pucca houses suffered partial damage. The district also reported damage to 79 huts and 108 cattle sheds.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out jointly by the SDRF, NDRF, Army, paramilitary forces, Air Force, police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration and Civil Defence volunteers. The government has deployed 94 medical teams and 26 boats in the affected areas.

Relief materials distributed include 918.554 quintals of rice, 918.554 quintals of pulses, 21.5531 quintals of salt, 146.6979 litres of mustard oil and 17,546.4 quintals of wheat bran as cattle feed.

The Assam government is also reviewing the extensive damage caused to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure and has initiated steps for restoration and rehabilitation in the flood-hit regions.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash