Guwahati, 23 July (HS): The flood situation in Assam has turned critical following incessant rainfall, with 653,164 people affected across 11 districts and the overall death toll climbing to 44, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

The worst-hit districts include Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat, where Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma visited flood-affected areas, interacted with residents and assured them of all possible assistance. State ministers Bimal Bora, Keshab Mahanta and Ajanta Neog, along with local legislators, are also monitoring relief operations on the ground.

Major rivers flowing above the danger mark include the Burhidihing at Chenimari and Khowang, Dikhow at Sivasagar, Dhansiri at Numaligarh and Kushiyara at Sribhumi. The Disang River at Nanglamuraghat is flowing above its highest flood level.

Floodwaters have inundated 939 villages in 40 revenue circles, submerging 24,897.27 hectares of agricultural land. The affected districts are Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Charaideo, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Sivasagar, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Dhemaji and Hojai.

The state government has set up 487 relief facilities, including 106 relief camps and 381 relief distribution centres. A total of 24,418 people are currently staying in relief camps, while 290,826 others are receiving assistance through relief distribution centres.

On July 22 alone, 10 flood-related deaths were reported—three each in Sivasagar and Jorhat, two in Charaideo, and one each in Karbi Anglong and Dhemaji. Six people remain missing in Sivasagar.

The floods have also affected 138,965 animals, while 107 livestock have been washed away.

Rescue operations involving the SDRF, NDRF, police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration and trained volunteers are in full swing. A total of 8,409 people and 35 animals have been rescued using 56 boats, while a helicopter deployed in Sivasagar rescued one stranded person. Eleven medical teams have also been deployed in flood-hit areas.

The government has distributed large quantities of relief materials, including rice, pulses, salt, mustard oil and cattle feed. Floodwaters have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, with the state government continuing to closely monitor the situation.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash