Guwahati, June 4: Assam’s flood crisis worsened on Tuesday as six more deaths were reported, pushing the toll to 12 in the first wave of floods. Over 6.33 lakh people across 21 districts have been affected, with key rivers flowing dangerously above the warning levels.
Fresh fatalities were recorded in Lala (Hailakandi), Patherkandi (Sribhumi), Silchar (Cachar), Dhekuajuli (Sonitpur), and Sadiya (Tinsukia), according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
The deluge has impacted 1,506 villages under 69 revenue circles, with Sribhumi emerging as the worst-hit – affecting over 2.31 lakh people in 304 villages. Nagaon follows with nearly 1 lakh people affected, and Hailakandi with 78,000+.
Floodwaters have submerged 14,739 hectares of crop area, destroyed roads and bridges, and damaged essential infrastructure. Rivers like the Brahmaputra (at Neamatighat and Tezpur), Katakhal (at Matizuri), and Barak (at multiple points) are flowing above danger levels.
The state has opened 223 relief camps and 288 distribution centres. Over 39,700 people are currently housed in camps, while nearly 2.17 lakh others are receiving food and aid outside camps.
During a visit to flood-affected Silchar, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that the depletion of urban wetlands is severely worsening flood risks. He highlighted wetlands like Malini Beel, Maheesha Beel, Rangirkhaal, and Singerkhal as crucial natural buffers.
“When wetlands are lost, everything goes haywire,” Sarma said. He urged long-term wetland conservation and drainage upgrades as part of a sustainable flood management policy. “They serve as natural reservoirs. We must protect them.”
Sarma visited six relief camps in Silchar, including Government Boys’ HS School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Ukil Bazar LP School. He directed the district administration to provide 24×7 medical care, safe drinking water, and ensure priority attention to children, senior citizens, and lactating mothers.
He assured timely rehabilitation efforts once floodwaters recede, while confirming that despite the Barak river flowing above danger mark, no embankment breaches have occurred.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Sinking Zone near Barak River in Tarapur Shibbari, where initial foundation work failed due to unstable soil. He announced deeper drilling to support a new pedestal road project in the area.
To address water stagnation in Silchar, the administration has deployed 10 water pumps, with more on standby. Sarma proposed a permanent pumping station and assured additional funds to expedite the Berenga embankment project, mirroring the recently completed Betukandi model.
He also announced that the Katigora Gammon Setu would be completed by July 28, and that Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika would visit Berenga on June 10 to review flood control infrastructure.
So far, one death has been reported from Silchar. The CM handed over ex-gratia payment to the victim’s family at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall.
Sarma was accompanied by ministers Pijush Hazarika, Krishnendu Paul, Kaushik Rai, MP Parimal Suklabaidya, and several MLAs during the visit. The administration remains on high alert as rains continue across parts of Assam.
