Guwahati, 24 July (HS): Assam's flood situation remained critical as relentless rainfall continued to batter the state, with the death toll rising to 47 after six more bodies were recovered, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

A total of 721,024 people across 11 districts have been affected by the floods, while 25,375.443 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged. The affected districts include Golaghat, Hojai, Kamrup, Charaideo, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Nagaon, Kamrup (Metro), Karbi Anglong, and Tinsukia. Overall, 883 villages under 37 revenue circles are reeling under floodwaters.

Several rivers continue to flow above the danger mark, including the Burhidihing at Chenimari and Khowang, Disang at Nanglamuraghat, Dikhow at Sivasagar, Dhansiri at Numaligarh, and Kushiyara at Sribhumi.

Heavy overnight rainfall also triggered severe waterlogging in low-lying areas of Guwahati, disrupting traffic and leaving commuters stranded for hours. Waterlogging continued to affect several parts of the city on Friday.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the worst-hit districts of Golaghat and Dibrugarh after touring Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat, inspecting relief camps and flood-affected areas while assuring all possible assistance to victims. Ministers Bimal Bora, Keshab Mahanta, Ajanta Neog and Atul Bora have also been visiting affected areas to oversee relief operations.

The state government has set up 358 relief facilities, including 103 relief camps and 255 relief distribution centres. While 24,124 people are staying in relief camps, another 239,864 people are receiving assistance through relief distribution centres.

On July 23, authorities recovered six bodies—four in Sivasagar and two in Charaideo. Floods have also impacted 371,609 animals, including 110,393 large animals, 78,107 small animals, and 183,109 poultry birds. A total of 154 animals were washed away, including 131 in Charaideo and 23 in Jorhat.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the SDRF, NDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administrations, Civil Defence volunteers and other agencies. Around 4,455 people and five animals have been rescued using 80 boats, while a helicopter has been deployed for relief operations in severely affected Sivasagar district.

The government has also deployed 173 medical teams in flood-hit areas and distributed essential relief materials, including rice, pulses, salt, mustard oil and cattle feed.

Floodwaters have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure across the state. The issue has become a major topic in the ongoing Assam Assembly Budget Session, with the Opposition demanding a detailed discussion. Assembly Speaker Ranjit Das has assured that a comprehensive discussion on the flood situation will be held in the House soon.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash