The flood situation in Assam has become more serious, with 41 people losing their lives so far and more than 7.27 lakh people affected across 25 districts. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said 10 more deaths were reported on Wednesday, 22nd July, while over 100 people are still missing.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the death toll could rise in the next three to four days. During his visit to the flood-hit districts of Charaideo and Sivasagar, he said the heavy flow of water from neighbouring Nagaland appears to be the main reason behind this year’s floods. He added that the government will study what led to the situation and take necessary steps in the future.
Rescue and relief operations continue
Rescue work is being carried out by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Assam Rifles and Fire and Emergency Services. The state government has also opened 469 relief camps, where around 18,000 people have taken shelter.
Under Operation Jal Rahat, the Army has rescued more than 700 stranded people. Four specialised flood relief columns from the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps have been deployed in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat following requests from the civil administration.
This morning, @IAF_MCC carried out three sorties, airdropping 627 kg of relief supplies to stranded families in Nazira.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 21, 2026
Our teams remain on the ground, reaching every flood-affected family with essential relief. pic.twitter.com/x1AlCHTOCX
The IAF is using helicopters for rescue missions, while drones are helping officials identify areas that need immediate assistance. Sharing an update on X, Sarma said the IAF carried out three sorties on Tuesday morning and dropped 627 kg of relief supplies for stranded families in Nazira. The NDRF also rescued several elderly people and shifted them to safer places.
Roads, railways and rivers under pressure
Many roads remain under water, forcing rescue teams to use boats to reach cut-off villages. Rail services in the Simaluguri section have also been affected. According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), more than 30 trains have been cancelled or rescheduled after tracks were damaged at several places, including Mariani.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain in parts of Upper Assam. Heavy rainfall over the past three to four days has worsened the situation. Between 18th and 20th July, Sonari in Charaideo district recorded 197.5 mm of rainfall, while many parts of Upper Assam and Guwahati also received very heavy rain.
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Brahmaputra, Burhidihing, Dikhow, Disang and Dhansiri rivers are flowing above the danger level, while water levels in the Barak, Kopili and Kushiyara rivers are also rising. The state government said rescue and relief work is being further strengthened with support from both central and state agencies.
