As heavy rainfall continues to lash Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged residents to remain cautious amid rising floodwaters. Several districts have been affected, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched emergency rescue operations in the most severely impacted areas.
The chief minister addressed the public through social media and press briefings, warning citizens to avoid waterlogged zones and stay updated through official alerts. “People must stay alert and cooperate with rescue teams,” he stated. “Your safety is our priority.”
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Assam CM Urges Caution as Flood Situation Worsens
The state has experienced relentless rainfall over the past week, causing the Brahmaputra and other rivers to overflow. This has led to the flooding of residential areas, farmland, and highways. Districts like Darrang, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Barpeta are among the worst affected.
Assam CM urges caution especially for residents living near embankments and low-lying zones. “Please do not ignore evacuation requests,” Sarma appealed. The government has opened over 200 relief camps and is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the IAF.
IAF Launches Emergency Rescue Operations
With road access cut off in several villages, the Indian Air Force began aerial rescue missions using helicopters to airlift stranded families and distribute emergency supplies. On Sunday alone, five sorties were conducted in Barpeta and Lakhimpur, saving over 300 people.
“The IAF is working round-the-clock to support civil authorities,” confirmed a Defence PRO. Supplies like food packets, drinking water, and medical aid have been air-dropped in isolated locations.
The Assam CM urges caution in view of continued weather alerts and potential landslides in hilly terrain. The state government is also closely monitoring the situation through satellite updates and ground reports.
Displacement and Damage Mount
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 1.2 lakh people have been affected across 18 districts. More than 8,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, and livestock losses have been reported.
In many areas, schools and community centers have been converted into temporary shelters. “Our village is under three feet of water,” said Anjali Das, a resident of Bajali district. “We had to leave everything behind.”
Local volunteers, NGOs, and youth groups are helping with food distribution and maintaining hygiene in relief camps. However, shortages of clean drinking water and baby food are being reported.
CM Reviews Situation, Visits Control Rooms
CM Sarma conducted aerial surveys and visited state control rooms to review rescue and relief efforts. He assured the public that no effort is being spared. “Our teams are working on a war footing,” he said.
He also urged people to call the 1070 disaster helpline or report emergencies through the “Flood Watch” portal. Assam CM urges caution and requests public cooperation to ensure rescue teams can reach affected zones swiftly.
Educational Institutions Closed, Transport Disrupted
The Education Department has ordered the closure of schools in flood-hit areas until further notice. Bus and rail services in many regions have been suspended or rerouted due to submerged roads and damaged tracks.
Air travel has also been disrupted at Dibrugarh and Jorhat airports, where heavy rains and poor visibility have delayed several flights.
The government has directed district administrations to prioritize drinking water, electricity restoration, and sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks in relief camps.
IMD Predicts More Rain, Red Alerts Issued
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several Assam districts, forecasting more rain in the coming 48 hours. Flash floods and landslides are possible, particularly in the hill slopes of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
The Assam CM urges caution and asks citizens to stay indoors unless necessary. Farmers are being advised not to venture into flooded fields, while fishermen have been told to avoid venturing into rivers.
The Water Resources Department is also inspecting all embankments and vulnerable riverbanks to preempt breaches.
Center Assures Full Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Sarma on Sunday and assured full support from the Centre. Central agencies including the NDRF and the Army have been kept on standby for large-scale deployment if the situation worsens.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also tweeted, “We are in constant touch with the Assam government. All help will be extended to protect lives and restore normalcy.”
Experts Suggest Long-Term Flood Planning
While emergency action is underway, experts are calling for better flood mitigation planning in Assam. Environmentalists point to deforestation, riverbed encroachment, and outdated infrastructure as reasons for frequent flooding.
“We need better drainage, early warning systems, and investment in sustainable river management,” said Dr. Arup Deka, a geologist at Gauhati University.
Cooperation Key to Crisis Management
As rains continue and rivers swell, the Assam CM urges caution as the best defense. Citizens are advised to follow government updates, avoid risky areas, and assist vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
The ongoing IAF rescue mission, along with state and central coordination, offers hope in a challenging situation. But the public’s awareness and cooperation will determine how well Assam weathers this crisis.
