Flash floods devastate Jonai villages, IAG assesses relief needs

DHEMAJI, July 3, 2026 — A rapid needs assessment conducted by the Dhemaji District Inter-Agency Group (IAG) has highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs of communities devastated by the flash floods that struck the Murkongselek Development Block in Assam's Jonai subdivision on June 28.

The flash floods, triggered by heavy and continuous rainfall in the adjoining hills of Arunachal Pradesh, swept through several low-lying villages, causing extensive damage to homes, livelihoods and community infrastructure.

According to the assessment, hundreds of houses were either washed away or severely damaged, leaving many families displaced. Floodwaters also destroyed household belongings, food stocks, clothing, school materials, important documents and other essential items, forcing affected residents to seek immediate relief.

The Dhemaji District IAG carried out the Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) in the worst-hit villages to determine the scale of the disaster and identify priority humanitarian requirements. The findings are expected to support coordinated relief efforts involving the district administration, civil society organisations and humanitarian agencies.

The assessment identified immediate needs for emergency shelter materials, food assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, clothing, healthcare services and livelihood support. It also stressed the need for protection measures for vulnerable groups, including children, women, older persons and persons with disabilities.

The Inter-Agency Group (IAG) Assam, a network of civil society organisations working on disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, said its district platform has been facilitating information sharing, joint assessments and coordinated planning to improve the effectiveness of relief operations.

The organisation said it will continue working with the district administration, humanitarian agencies and development partners to support relief, early recovery and long-term resilience-building in the flood-affected areas. It also appealed to donors and humanitarian organisations to extend timely assistance to affected families.