Guwahati, 01 August (HS): Although floodwaters have receded in most parts of Assam, the devastation continues to haunt several districts, particularly Sivasagar and Charaideo, where thousands of families are struggling to rebuild their lives.

One of the worst-hit locations is Nepali Khunti village in Sivasagar district. The village, once known for dairy farming, has been almost completely destroyed. More than 100 families have lost their homes and livestock, with survivors now living in temporary shelters and plastic tents. Due to the area's remoteness, relief operations have yet to reach all affected residents and the exact number of casualties remains unclear.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), five districts—Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat and Nagaon—continue to remain affected. Floodwaters have impacted 379 villages under 17 revenue circles, affecting 1,92,799 people and inundating 15,430 hectares of agricultural land.

Two more bodies, one each from Sivasagar and Charaideo, were recovered on Friday, taking the overall flood death toll in the state to 82.

The state government is currently operating 54 relief camps and 26 relief distribution centres, providing shelter to 12,994 people, while another 5,384 non-camp residents are receiving relief assistance.

The floods have also severely affected livestock, with 10,855 animals impacted and 1,461 animals reportedly washed away in Sivasagar alone.

Infrastructure damage remains extensive. Official figures show 879 kucha houses and 134 pucca houses have been completely destroyed, while thousands of other homes, cattle sheds and huts have suffered partial damage, mainly in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by SDRF, NDRF, the Army, Air Force, police, fire and emergency services, civil defence volunteers and local administrations. The government has also deployed 64 medical teams and boats to assist affected communities.

Relief materials, including rice, pulses, salt, mustard oil and large quantities of cattle feed, are being distributed among flood-hit families. The Assam government is simultaneously assessing damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is monitoring the situation and directing officials to expedite relief, rehabilitation and financial assistance for affected families.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash