Guwahati: The aftermath of Cyclone Remal has left Assam grappling with severe floods following incessant rains. Major rivers in the state have overflowed, inundating low-lying areas in Southern, Middle, and Lower Assam.
According to official sources, the floods have claimed at least three lives—two in Cachar and one in Karimganj district—and affected 41,719 people as relentless rains and cyclone-induced conditions ravaged the state on Thursday. The deluge has also damaged roads and rail tracks, leading to the cancellation of trains to and from Southern Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that at least eight districts are currently affected by the floods. These include Cachar, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Hojai, Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong West, Karimganj, and Nagaon.
Landslides have been reported in 11 villages in Dima Hasao, three in Cachar, and one in Hailakandi. Additionally, heavy erosion has been observed in Silchar and Udharbond in the Cachar district.
In the districts of Karimganj, Cachar, and Hailakandi, the Barak River and its tributaries—Longai, Kushiara, Singla, and Katakhal — are flowing above the danger level at several locations. Karimganj is the worst-hit area, with four damaged embankments and 26,430 people affected. In Cachar, 8,351 people are affected, and in Hailakandi, the number stands at 6,227.
Residents of vulnerable areas have been relocated to safety, with three relief camps set up in Karimganj and two in Cachar to shelter the flood-hit population. Authorities have advised against night travel, except on the Umrongso-Lanka route, and schools in the district have been closed due to the adverse weather conditions.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cautioned that the inclement weather is expected to persist. “I have instructed officials to be alert to respond to emergencies at the earliest. I request citizens not to venture out unless there is an emergency and to stay safe. We are constantly monitoring the situation," he said in a social media post.
Ferry services across the state remain suspended due to the severe weather.
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has directed district commissioners to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to avoid staying in vulnerable structures, refrain from entering water-logged areas, stock up on essential items, and contact authorities in case of an emergency. The NDRF and SDRF are on alert to deal with the unfolding situation, officials said.
