Assam floods: 80,000 still unreached for relief, death toll at 50, says CM Sarma
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, 25 July said nearly 80,000 flood-affected residents in Upper Assam are yet to receive government relief, as unprecedented inundation continues to cut off remote villages from rescue teams. The disclosure underscores the scale of the crisis gripping the state's worst-hit districts.
Who Remains Unreached
Addressing reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said approximately 50,000 people in Nazira and another 30,000 in Sivasagar remain inaccessible despite large-scale relief operations running across the state. 'There are around 50,000 people in Nazira and nearly 30,000 people in Sivasagar whom the government has not yet been able to reach with relief. The flood situation has improved slightly, but these areas remain inaccessible,' he said.
Rescue Operations Under Way
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, and district administrations are using boats and other available means to access isolated pockets. Sarma expressed confidence that relief would reach all affected residents shortly, adding that the administration is deploying additional resources wherever needed.
Rising Death Toll and Power Outages
The Chief Minister confirmed that the flood-related death toll in Assam has climbed to 50, cautioning that the figure may rise as search operations continue and several persons remain missing. The floods have also severely damaged electricity infrastructure, leaving more than 60,000 households without power across different parts of the state. Restoration work is ongoing, though access constraints in waterlogged areas have delayed repairs.
Centre's Assessment Team to Arrive Saturday
Sarma announced that an inter-ministerial team from the Central government is scheduled to reach Assam on Saturday to conduct an on-ground assessment of flood damage and evaluate requirements for financial assistance and rehabilitation. Upper Assam districts — particularly Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat — have recorded some of the worst flooding this season, driven by heavy rainfall and surging inflows from upstream rivers.
Water levels have shown early signs of receding in several locations, but connectivity to numerous remote villages remains disrupted, posing sustained challenges for relief agencies. The coming days will be critical as teams race to reach the remaining stranded population before conditions deteriorate further.