Assam Flood Crisis Deepens: Death Toll Rises to 97, Over 1.68 Lakh Still Affected

Assam's flood crisis remained critical on Friday, with the death toll rising to 97 after two more fatalities were reported even as more than 1.68 lakh people continued to be affected across 15 districts.

The latest deaths were reported from Golaghat and Udalguri, highlighting the continuing impact of the deluge across several parts of the state. The number of affected people has also increased from around 1.6 lakh across 14 districts reported earlier this week.

Golaghat remains the worst-hit district, with nearly 54,000 people affected, followed by Sivasagar with around 49,000 and Jorhat with approximately 27,000.

Authorities said 133 relief camps and distribution centres are currently operating in six districts, providing shelter and essential assistance to around 45,000 displaced people. Meanwhile, more than 14,382 hectares of cropland remain submerged.

The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, disrupting normal life in several areas.

Amid the grim situation, there was some relief on the transportation front. Railway connectivity through Sivasagar, which had remained disrupted for nearly two weeks after floodwaters damaged railway tracks, was restored on Thursday.

The restored section between Selenghat, Amguri, Simaluguri and Sivasagar Town has enabled limited train services to resume. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said direct train services between Guwahati and Dibrugarh via Lumding and Sivasagar could now restart.

The Northeast Frontier Railway, however, has introduced precautionary measures after observing flood-affected residents, including children, taking shelter near railway tracks along with livestock and belongings.

Initially, only diesel locomotive-hauled trains will operate on the restored sections to reduce the risk of electrocution and protect people living near the tracks.

Several passenger services will operate through alternative routes, while long-distance trains will continue to be diverted via North Lakhimpur, Rangapara and North Rangiya. Special trains are also being operated to maintain connectivity with Upper Assam during the disruption.