The death toll from this year’s Assam floods increased to 78 on Wednesday after three additional fatalities occurred in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts. More than 300,000 people remain impacted across seven districts, according to the most recent official update. The latest deaths comprised two in Sivasagar and one in Golaghat, bringing the yearly total from flood-related incidents to 78, as reported by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The bulletin indicated that 300,031 individuals across seven affected districts including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Kamrup Metropolitan continue to face difficulties from the flooding. Waters have affected 21 revenue circles and 551 villages, with 21,523 hectares of farmland still underwater. Charaideo recorded the highest number of impacted residents at 137,561, followed by Sivasagar with 84,600 and Jorhat with 49,911. The previous day showed 332,000 affected across six districts, suggesting a modest improvement despite one additional district now under flood conditions. Over 16,500 displaced individuals are housed in 71 relief camps, while more than 72,000 others receive aid through 30 distribution centers. Medical, veterinary and rescue teams maintain operations in the impacted zones. Floods have damaged embankments, roads, homes, schools and other public assets. Over 11,000 animals were swept away and another 17,000 livestock affected. Urban flooding continues in Kamrup Metropolitan district, impacting three revenue circles and 10 localities including Padumbari, Boragaon, Lachit Nagar, Zoo Road and several others, though no population figures were officially recorded for these areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assess the situation and relief measures, marking the second such discussion in a week. The Chief Minister noted that the Home Minister promised ongoing central support for relief and reconstruction, with all central resources available. While floodwaters have receded since July 21 without further heavy rainfall, damage remains extensive, preventing many from returning home due to destroyed or silt-filled houses and blocked roads. The Chief Minister stated that state and central authorities can manage the crisis without external aid, with donations arriving from across the country. A meeting with banks is scheduled for Thursday to arrange special loan support for affected residents, following instructions from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth reviewed flood relief efforts during a visit to the Eastern Theatre on July 28-29, commending troops for aiding civil authorities.
