Flood situation worsens across Assam: 10 rivers cross danger level; 78,000 people affected across 15 districts

NEW DELHI: The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Sunday, with 10 major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Barak, flowing above the danger mark. According to officials, over 78,000 people have been affected across more than 15 districts.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that eight people, five in landslides and three in floods, have died so far.Union home minister assures supportUnion home minister Amit Shah spoke with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take stock of the situation."Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji called me a short while ago to enquire about the floods in Assam and has offered all possible assistance to deal with the ongoing situation," Sarma posted on X."I have briefed him on the measures being taken and we are grateful for his concern and support," he added.CWC issues 'orange bulletin'The Central Water Commission (CWC) issued an ‘orange bulletin’ for Assam, citing a severe flood scenario. The Brahmaputra is flowing above danger level at Dibrugarh and Nematighat (Jorhat). Other rivers breaching danger levels include:

Rail, road, and ferry services disruptedHeavy rains and overflowing rivers have disrupted transport services. The Northeast Frontier Railway cancelled trains including:

The Guwahati-Dullabcherra-Guwahati train has been short-terminated at Baraigram and will remain cancelled between Baraigram and Dullabcherra till Tuesday.

A portion of National Highway-17 near Shingra Shalnibari in Kamrup district has been submerged. Ferry services between Jorhat and Majuli have also been suspended due to the rising Brahmaputra.IAF rescues 14 from Bomjir riverIn a major operation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued 14 people trapped in the swollen Bomjir river along the Assam-Arunachal border.Tinsukia District Commissioner Swapneel Paul said the rescue was carried out early Sunday at his request.“In a daring rescue operation, 14 persons trapped in the swollen Bomjir river were rescued by an IAF helicopter,” he said.The group, including 13 from Tinsukia and one from Arunachal Pradesh, was stranded due to rising water levels caused by relentless rainfall.Sadiya Revenue Circle Officer Jaydeep Rajak oversaw the rescue. All rescued individuals have safely returned home.Red and orange alerts issuedAs per the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), three districts in western Assam were placed under 'red alert' on Saturday, with eight others under 'orange alert'.

Rainwater from upstream Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya has exacerbated the flood situation in Assam.Multiple agencies in relief operationsSeveral agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, state police, fire, and emergency services, have been deployed for rescue and relief efforts. Authorities said evacuations are underway in the most affected areas, and alternative routes are being used to ensure essential connectivity.