Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, 19 July said the state government has formally requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to remain on standby for possible evacuation and rescue operations as the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts continues to deteriorate. The move, described as a precautionary measure, signals a significant escalation in the state's flood response posture in Upper Assam.

Army and Air Force Put on Standby

Sarma confirmed the development in a post on X, stating that the armed forces have been requested to support ground operations if the situation worsens further. 'As the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat continues to worsen, the Government of Assam has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to be on standby to support evacuation and rescue operations, if required,' he said.

The decision reflects the administration's assessment that rising floodwaters in the three districts could outpace civilian relief capacity, making military-assisted evacuation a necessary contingency.

Four Senior Ministers Deployed to Affected Districts

The Chief Minister also directed four senior cabinet colleagues to immediately travel to the flood-hit areas to oversee relief measures on the ground. The ministers deputed are Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, and Cabinet Minister Sushanta Borgohain.

'I have also directed my colleagues, Smt. Ajanta Neog, Shri Bimal Bora, Shri Keshab Mahanta and Shri Sushanta Borgohain to immediately reach the affected areas, supervise relief efforts and ensure that every affected family receives timely assistance,' Sarma said.

The ministers have been specifically instructed to ensure that every flood-affected family receives timely assistance from the district administration — a directive that underlines the scale of displacement feared in the region.

Chief Minister Monitoring Situation Round the Clock

Sarma asserted that the safety and well-being of residents remains the state government's highest priority. 'The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority. I am monitoring the situation round the clock, and we will take every necessary step to protect lives and provide all possible relief,' he added.

The personal monitoring commitment by a sitting Chief Minister signals the political weight being attached to the crisis, particularly given that Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat are densely populated districts along the Brahmaputra river system, historically among Assam's most flood-vulnerable zones.

Context: Upper Assam's Recurring Flood Crisis

Assam faces annual flooding driven by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries swelling during the monsoon season. Upper Assam districts — including Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat — regularly bear the brunt of these inundations, with thousands displaced each year. This year's deteriorating situation comes amid intensified monsoon activity, and the early deployment of Army and Air Force standby resources suggests authorities are not waiting for conditions to become critical before mobilising.

With floodwaters still rising and ministerial teams now on the ground, the coming 48 to 72 hours will be critical in determining whether military rescue operations are activated.