Journalists Help Orphaned Children Perform Father's Last Rites After Assam Flood Tragedy

NAZIRA, August 2, 2026 — Amid the widespread devastation caused by the recent floods in Upper Assam, a deeply moving story of tragedy and compassion has emerged from Simaluguri under Nazira Co-District.

The catastrophic floods that ravaged large parts of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts have left countless families shattered, forcing many to take shelter on roadsides and in relief camps. Among them was a poor family from Bhorolua village in Simaluguri Gaon Panchayat, whose plight has touched many hearts.

Bakul Phukan, the family's sole breadwinner, fell seriously ill during the floods and was taken to Sivasagar Civil Hospital in a 108 ambulance. Already struggling after the death of his wife nearly two years ago, the family suffered another blow when Phukan was diagnosed with tuberculosis, leaving the household without any source of income.

His eldest daughter, Barsha Phukan (14), was left to care for her younger siblings—Bibisha (12) and Satyajit (7). While one sister remained at the hospital with their father, Barsha struggled to look after her younger brother in their flood-ravaged, silt-filled home.

The family's condition came to light when Nazira-based journalist Pankaj Saikia, along with Amandeep Singh Bharge and Shamim Rahman, visited the area to distribute relief materials. Despite being affected by the floods himself, Saikia had been actively assisting other victims.

During their visit, the team found the children living in extremely difficult conditions. They offered food and drinking water, but Barsha, holding back tears, said they had already received relief supplies. Instead, she requested some money so she could travel to visit her ailing father in hospital.

The team handed her ₹500 and assured her of further assistance.

The tragedy deepened on July 29 when Bakul Phukan died during treatment. With no money to bring his body home, Barsha was left sitting beside her father's body at the hospital, unable to complete the formalities.

After learning about the situation, the same group immediately intervened. With support from a local social organisation, they arranged transportation for the body. Since Barsha was a minor and hospital authorities initially declined to release the body to her, the group completed the required formalities and took responsibility for bringing the body back to the village.

They also provided essential materials needed for the last rites, offering vital support to the bereaved family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The incident highlights both the immense human cost of the recent floods and the role played by ordinary citizens who stepped forward to help vulnerable families when they needed it most.