GUWAHATI — Assam's flood emergency deepened on Thursday as continued heavy rainfall and rising river levels hampered relief efforts, while weather officials warned that more rain was likely over the coming days, raising the risk of further inundation across the northeastern Indian state.
At least 41 people have died in flood- and rain-related incidents during the current spell of severe weather, according to official updates, while more than 640,000 residents have been affected across dozens of revenue circles. Several major rivers remained above the danger level, and authorities said rescue and relief operations were continuing in the worst-hit districts.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority urged residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain alert and follow official advisories as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across the state over the next three to four days. IMD's regional forecasts also indicated continued heavy rainfall warnings for Assam and Meghalaya through the week.
State authorities said emergency teams, supported by the Indian Army, Air Force and other agencies, were carrying out rescue missions in flooded communities. In some remote locations where road access remained cut off, drones were being used to deliver essential supplies to stranded residents, according to official information.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota reviewed the flood response with officials on Wednesday, directing departments to ensure uninterrupted distribution of relief materials, restore essential public services and expedite repairs to damaged infrastructure in affected districts, government officials said.
The worst-affected areas include parts of Upper Assam, where floodwaters have submerged homes, agricultural land and transport links. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited several flood-hit districts, described the scale of the flooding as unprecedented and said the government would continue relief and rehabilitation measures alongside rescue operations.
Flooding is a recurring monsoon hazard in Assam, where swollen rivers, including the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, frequently overflow during periods of intense rainfall. This year's flooding has also disrupted road connectivity, public utilities and normal economic activity in several districts.
Authorities said district administrations remained on high alert as rainfall was expected to persist, with emergency services continuing evacuations, relief distribution and monitoring of river levels while residents were advised to follow official weather updates and local evacuation instructions.
