Cloudburst-triggered floods wreak havoc in Assam's Sivasagar; rescue operations intensify

A severe flood situation has gripped Assam's Sivasagar district following a cloudburst in the Naga Hills and incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours, leaving vast areas submerged and thousands of residents stranded.

The rising waters of the Dikhow, Disang and Dorika rivers have inundated several parts of the district, including Chontok, Bihubar, Nazira, Simoluguri, Jhanji and Jamuguri. The situation has turned particularly critical in Jamuguri after a breach in the embankment along the Jhanji river flooded large stretches of the area, forcing several families into distress.

Multiple teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are carrying out rescue and relief operations across the affected areas. However, many people remain trapped in floodwaters, officials said.

The situation in Chontok and Bihubar has worsened to the extent that helicopter-assisted rescue operations by the armed forces may be required to evacuate stranded residents.

Floodwaters from the overflowing Dikhow river have also entered several low-lying localities in Sivasagar town, including Cherekapar, Bhati Bongaon, Komarphadia, Arjunguri, Amgurighat, Jolagaon and Napam Gaon, disrupting normal life.

In several locations, the Dikhow river has overtopped embankments and submerged roads, severely affecting connectivity and transportation.

The district administration has urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Rescue teams and officials are continuing relief operations while closely monitoring the evolving flood situation.