Guwahati: At least eight people have lost their lives in the last 24 hours due to floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall across Assam, officials from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported on Saturday.
Of the eight casualties, three people—including a child—died in flood-related incidents, while five others were killed in devastating landslides in the Kamrup (Metro) district. Additionally, two people were injured in the landslides.
Widespread Devastation Across 12 Districts
The first spell of the monsoon floods has affected 175 villages across 20 revenue circles in 12 districts, including Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, South Salmara, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Nagaon, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Biswanath, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong West, and Darrang.
- Total affected people: 58,091
- Crop area submerged: 791.32 hectares
- Animals washed away: 194
- Animals affected: Over 75,918
Relief and Rescue Efforts Underway
Close to 7,000 flood victims have taken shelter in 16 relief camps and distribution centres established by the respective district administrations.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, and local administration teams are carrying out rescue and relief operations in the submerged areas.
In the last 24 hours, floods have caused significant damage to public infrastructure:
- 22 roads and 1 bridge damaged
- 3 embankments breached; 4 others damaged
- Schools, Anganwadi centres, and irrigation canals affected
Urban Flooding Hits Kamrup (Metro) and Other Cities
Urban areas are also reeling under the impact, with 9,865 people affected in districts like Kamrup (M), Dibrugarh, Cachar, and Darrang.
On Saturday, Assam Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah visited several flood-ravaged parts of Guwahati, including:
- Juripar
- Basistha Chariali to Balughat stretch
- Excel Care Hospital vicinity
- Pandu Temple Ghat
- Kamakhya Foothills
- B Baruah Road, GS Road
- Ambari and Rukmininagar localities
Drainage Improvements in Progress
Minister Baruah explained that many of Guwahati’s flooded zones act like natural water basins, collecting heavy runoff from surrounding hills. Two major drainage channels are currently under construction to help divert water and reduce flood recurrence in these vulnerable zones.
Appeal for Vigilance and Support
Authorities continue to monitor rainfall patterns and river levels closely, urging residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain alert. Relief distribution and rescue efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days.
This tragedy once again highlights the urgent need for long-term flood management, urban drainage reform, and climate-resilient infrastructure in Assam.