Assam Floods: Death Toll Hits 75, Over 3.3 Lakh Still Affected

The flood situation in Assam remains a significant concern, although the latest official bulletin indicates a reduction in the number of affected people and districts. As of July 29, 2026, the death toll from the devastating floods has risen to 75, with seven more fatalities reported on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. All seven recent deaths occurred due to drowning in Sivasagar district, a region consistently highlighted as one of the worst-hit areas. The number of people currently affected by the deluge stands at 3.32 lakh (332,639) across seven districts, a notable decrease from earlier figures this week. Previously, on July 25, 2026, over 7 lakh people were reported affected across 12 districts, with the death toll at 62. By July 28, 2026, around 4.45 lakh people were still impacted across six districts, and the death toll had risen to 68. This progression of figures reflects a dynamic and gradually improving, yet still severe, situation on the ground. The seven districts currently reeling under the floodwaters include Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Kamrup (Metropolitan). These districts encompass 622 villages under 21 revenue circles. The worst-affected districts continue to be Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat, where thousands have been displaced and vast areas remain submerged. The impact on the agricultural sector has been severe, with 45,341.98 hectares of crop area currently submerged. Earlier reports indicated over 37,139.52 hectares of crop coverage and 26,679 animals washed away, underscoring the significant economic and livelihood losses for the rural population. Critical rivers such as the Dhansiri at Numaligarh continue to flow above the danger level, though no rivers have yet crossed their highest flood level mark, offering some relief. In response to the escalating crisis and the rising death toll, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a comprehensive relief package. Families of the deceased will now receive a total assistance of ₹9 lakh, comprising ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia payment (for which the post-mortem requirement has been waived in flood-related deaths) and an additional ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Furthermore, over one lakh severely flood-affected families will be provided with ₹15,000 in cash for essential needs, and the 'Orunodoi' scheme, a state government initiative for vulnerable families, is set to resume on August 1. Rescue and relief operations have been intensified across the affected regions, involving personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army, alongside local administration officials and volunteers. Relief camps and distribution centres are operational, providing shelter and aid to tens of thousands of displaced individuals. For instance, an earlier report from July 25 mentioned 363 relief camps accommodating 1,15,205 people. A five-member central team has also been on the ground, assessing the damage and relief efforts, particularly in the worst-hit districts like Sivasagar and Charaideo. The recurrent nature of floods in Assam, often exacerbated by extreme rainfall and geographical factors, makes it a perennial disaster for the state. Officials attribute this year's severe flooding, particularly in the east, to an intense cloudburst over neighboring Nagaland in mid-July, which caused rivers, already swollen by monsoon rains, to overflow their banks. The Chief Minister has emphasized the need for future preparedness given the changing character of such calamities. Beyond immediate relief, authorities are also focusing on public health, with medical outreach, vector control, and safe drinking water efforts in flood-affected areas to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases. While the floodwaters are receding in many parts, the aftermath presents new challenges, including the restoration of power, rebuilding infrastructure, and addressing the emerging public health concerns in areas with stagnant water and waste. The situation continues to be monitored closely, with government and aid agencies working to restore normalcy and support the affected population in rebuilding their lives.

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