The flood situation in Assam continues to worsen, with Hailakandi district emerging as one of the worst-hit areas. Rising river levels, breached embankments and heavy rainfall have led to widespread displacement, submerged villages and major disruption to transport and communication.
Floodwaters Claim One Life in Hailakandi Flood
Tragedy struck Hailakandi when the body of 37-year-old Bishu Roy was recovered on Monday. He had been swept away by floodwaters on Sunday. Despite a swift search operation, his body was only recovered the following day, according to district officials.
Rivers Overflowing Danger Mark: Katakhal Hits Record Level
The Barak, Dhaleswari, and Katakhal rivers continue to swell, flowing above the danger mark. The Katakhal River has reached a historic high of 22.73 meters, the highest ever recorded and is still rising, according to the Assam Water Resources Department. In the first phase of monsoon flooding this year, 4,722 people across 48 villages have been affected in Hailakandi district.
- In the Lala Revenue Circle, 2,322 people have been impacted.
- In the Hailakandi Revenue Circle, the number stands at 700.
- In the Algapur Circle, 420 individuals have been affected.
- In the Katlicherra Circle, 1,280 people are affected by the floods.
So far, 4,071 livestock have also been affected due to the floodwaters.
Hailakandi Flood: 48 Villages Submerged, Embankments Breached
The district administration reported that 48 villages in Hailakandi are completely submerged. Serious breaches in embankments have been reported at Rajyeshwarpur, Matijuri, Nimaichandpur, and Toslakhal, putting thousands of lives at risk.
National Highway 37 Underwater, Travel Severely Affected
Surface communication has been severely disrupted. Key stretches of National Highway 37, especially in Panchgram and Salchapra are flooded, cutting off access to many areas and hampering relief efforts.
83 People Rescued, Schools Ordered Shut
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has rescued 83 marooned residents so far. As a safety measure, all government and private schools in the district have been ordered to remain closed on Monday and Tuesday. With several school buildings reported to be under water.
15 Relief Camps Set Up in Hailakandi due to flood
To manage the crisis, the Hailakandi district administration has opened 15 flood relief camps in the worst-hit areas. These camps are providing food, shelter, and basic healthcare to affected families.
On Sunday, swift action by the administration and SDRF personnel resulted in the rescue of 83 stranded individuals in the Lala Revenue Circle.
Efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, due to landslides, 44 people have been affected in Balikandi Grant and Banshdahar Part II. On Sunday, the administration distributed two days’ worth of relief materials to those taking shelter at Balikandi Shishu Kalyan LP School.
Minister Krishnendu Paul Visits Relief Camp, Assures Government Support
On Monday, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul visited a relief camp at Annada Charan Girls’ HS School in Kalinagar. He assured residents of full support from the Assam government, saying:
“The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the Barak Valley flood situation and will soon visit Hailakandi to personally oversee the relief and rescue operations.”
Paul added that departments like Water Resources are working with local officials to reinforce embankments and keep critical dykes functional to prevent further breaches.
Authorities on High Alert as Floods Continue
With water levels rising and more rain forecasted, authorities are on high alert, ramping up rescue operations and distributing emergency aid. Relief workers and volunteers are actively helping those stranded in low-lying areas.
