Flood damage far worse than expected, says Himanta after Charaideo visit

NAZIRA, July 22, 2026 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday visited flood-ravaged areas in Charaideo district to assess the situation on the ground, saying the extent of destruction caused by the recent floods was "far greater than initially anticipated."

The Chief Minister visited the Dolbagan area, one of the worst-affected localities, where he reviewed ongoing rescue and relief operations and interacted with displaced families at temporary relief camps to assess their immediate needs.

Addressing the media, Sarma described the flood situation as "extremely grim," stating that the disaster had claimed multiple lives and caused extensive damage to homes, livestock and public property.

"There have been multiple casualties, and extensive damage to property and livestock. Bodies are still being recovered daily, and many affected people are yet to receive relief," he said.

Sarma said rescue operations were being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with helicopters also deployed for evacuation and relief in inaccessible areas. He, however, acknowledged that several flood-hit locations remain cut off due to the severity of the inundation.

Referring to reports of a cloudburst in neighbouring Nagaland that triggered a sudden surge in hill rivers flowing into Upper Assam, the Chief Minister said the Nagaland government had promptly informed Assam's Chief Secretary about the incident. However, he noted that preventing the impact of such a large-scale natural disaster at short notice was virtually impossible.

The Chief Minister said the losses caused by the floods had exceeded the government's initial assessment and that it was too early to estimate the full extent of the damage. He added that financial assistance for flood and erosion-related losses is supported by the Central Government.

Rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts are continuing across the worst-affected districts of Upper Assam as authorities work to reach marooned communities and restore essential services.