Guwahati, 27 July (HS): Floodwaters have continued to recede across Assam, bringing some relief, but the devastation left behind has created fresh challenges for thousands of affected families. Vast stretches of farmland remain damaged, while homes, schools and roads are covered with thick layers of silt. The flood has so far claimed 68 lives after two more bodies were recovered in Charaideo district.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), floodwaters are still affecting 5,24,733 people across nine districts—Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Hojai, Kamrup, Nagaon, Kamrup (Metro) and Dibrugarh. A total of 763 villages under 24 revenue circles remain inundated, while 48,742.09 hectares of agricultural land continue to be submerged. The Dhansiri River at Numaligarh is still flowing above the danger level.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that all state ministers will visit flood-affected areas after the ongoing Assembly Budget Session to assess the ground situation and ensure faster delivery of relief and rehabilitation measures.

The state government has established 109 relief camps and 245 relief distribution centres, where 37,724 people are currently taking shelter. Another 1,53,833 people are receiving assistance outside the camps.

Authorities recovered two more bodies from floodwaters in Charaideo on July 26. The flood has affected 88,240 livestock, including cattle, small animals and poultry, while 26,512 animals have reportedly been washed away.

The disaster has also caused extensive damage to housing infrastructure. Official figures show 579 kutcha houses were completely destroyed and 1,560 kutcha houses suffered partial damage. In addition, 51 pucca houses, 250 huts and 792 cattle sheds were damaged, with Sivasagar among the worst-hit districts.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out jointly by the SDRF, NDRF, Army, Air Force, police, fire and emergency services, civil defence volunteers and local administration. The government has deployed 152 medical teams, 36 boats and two helicopters to support relief efforts.

Large quantities of essential relief materials, including rice, pulses, salt, mustard oil and cattle feed, have been distributed among flood-affected families. The government is also reviewing the extensive damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure to expedite restoration work.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash