'Worst flood in 50 years': Sivasagar DC reviews relief operations, says nearly 4 lakh people affected

Describing the recent deluge as the worst flood to hit Sivasagar district in the last five decades, Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav on Sunday, July 26 said nearly four lakh people across 301 revenue villages have been affected, with extensive loss of life, property and livelihoods.

Addressing a press conference, Yadav presented a detailed assessment of the flood situation, rescue operations and ongoing rehabilitation measures, stating that the district administration, in coordination with multiple government agencies, has been working continuously to restore normalcy in the flood-ravaged district.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the floods have impacted villages under three revenue circles, with the Nazira and Sivasagar Assembly constituencies emerging as the worst-affected regions. Thousands of families have suffered significant damage to their homes, agricultural land and sources of livelihood.

The administration has confirmed 30 flood-related deaths, while seven people remain missing. Search operations are continuing in affected areas to trace those unaccounted for.

Highlighting the scale of the rescue effort, Yadav said around 20,000 people were evacuated from inundated villages through coordinated operations carried out by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local volunteers.

A total of 60 SDRF and NDRF rescue boats, along with 62 indigenous country boats, were deployed to rescue stranded residents and shift them to safer locations and relief camps.

With floodwaters gradually receding, the administration has shifted its focus to restoration work. JCB excavators and Falkland machines have been deployed to clear mud, sand and debris deposited by floodwaters, restore road connectivity, and facilitate the movement of relief materials.

The district administration has established more than 50 relief camps and relief distribution centres to shelter displaced families and provide essential supplies. While the first phase of relief distribution has been completed, the second phase is currently underway to ensure continued assistance to affected residents.

Yadav also announced that distribution of the Chief Minister's Special "CM Family Kit" will commence shortly. The kits will include essential household items and daily-use commodities aimed at helping flood-affected families resume normal life.

For villages that remain inaccessible by road, the administration has undertaken aerial relief operations. Nearly 10,000 kilograms of food and essential commodities have been airlifted by helicopters and distributed among around 2,000 families stranded in remote locations. Helicopter sorties will continue until road connectivity is restored, the Deputy Commissioner said.

The Health Department has simultaneously intensified preventive measures to curb post-flood disease outbreaks. Adequate stocks of medicines have been maintained to tackle illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera and skin infections.

A total of 38 medical teams have been deployed across more than 200 relief camps and affected localities to provide treatment, conduct health awareness campaigns and monitor water quality.

While river levels have begun to decline, Yadav said stagnant water and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper restoration efforts in several urban and rural areas.

He noted that the next two to three days would be critical for the recovery process, with all departments of the district administration working in coordination to restore essential services and normalcy at the earliest.

The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to residents to cooperate with the administration, follow official advisories and refrain from entering unsafe flood-affected areas until restoration work is completed.