Torrential monsoon rains have once again caused widespread destruction across Northeast India, with Assam facing severe flooding as several rivers continue to flow above danger levels. As of July 23, the flood situation remains critical. Dozens of people have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and large areas of farmland and villages remain under water. Neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, where much of the upstream water originates, is also battling flash floods and landslides, worsening the crisis downstream.
In Assam, the Brahmaputra and several of its major tributaries have risen sharply. The Disang River in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts has reportedly reached its highest-ever recorded level, standing more than 2 metres above the danger mark at key locations, including Nanglamuraghat. The Brahmaputra continues to flow above the danger level at Neamatighat, while the Buridihing, Dikhou and Dhansiri rivers are also in severe flood stage. Floodwaters have submerged low-lying areas, breached embankments and caused riverbank erosion in several districts.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), more than 5.65 lakh people in at least 16 districts, including Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Golaghat, Dhemaji and Dibrugarh, have been affected. Sivasagar is the worst-hit district, with nearly 3.6 lakh people affected, followed by Jorhat with around 88,000 people and Charaideo with more than 72,500 people. More than 900 villages remain submerged, while nearly 24,000 hectares of cropland have been damaged, posing a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of farmers during the paddy season.
The human impact has been severe. The death toll in the current wave of floods has risen to 31–41, with 21 additional deaths reported in a single day due to drowning, landslides and related incidents, mainly in Upper Assam districts. Rescue operations are continuing despite strong river currents and damaged infrastructure. Nearly 30,000 people are staying in around 150 relief camps, where authorities are providing essential supplies such as rice, dal, salt and oil. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, Air Force and drone teams are continuing relief and rescue operations.
Infrastructure damage has been widespread. Roads, bridges and embankments have either been washed away or badly damaged. During the earlier phase of the monsoon, a railway bridge in Dhemaji was affected, disrupting transport links. Power lines and water supply systems have also been damaged, leaving many areas without basic services. Livestock losses continue to rise, with more than 1.85 lakh animals and poultry affected, increasing the financial burden on rural communities.
The flood situation in Assam is closely linked to heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in upstream Arunachal Pradesh. In late June, flash floods and landslides in districts including Keyi Panyor and East Siang claimed at least three to four lives, affected more than 90,000 people across nearly all 28 districts and damaged hundreds of homes, roads and bridges. Rivers swollen by rainfall, which was reported to be as much as 400 per cent above normal in some places, flowed downstream into Assam. Road connectivity between the two states was also disrupted as highways were submerged and several roads were blocked by landslides.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Union ministers, conducted aerial surveys to assess the damage and review relief measures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for continued thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the coming days, warning that the flood situation may worsen before improving. Upper air cyclonic circulations continue to bring heavy moisture into the region.
Several factors are believed to have contributed to the worsening flood situation, including climate change, deforestation in hilly terrains and encroachment on floodplains. Flooding is an annual challenge in the Brahmaputra valley, but this year’s early and intense monsoon has affected even villages that are not usually flood-prone. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has appealed for support from the Centre and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured coordinated assistance for relief and rehabilitation.
On the ground, the floods have left behind stories of both hardship and resilience. Families in Sivasagar’s Phulpanisiga are moving through chest-deep floodwaters carrying their belongings to safer places. Farmers are watching fields prepared for transplantation disappear under water. Relief camps remain active, although overcrowding and sanitation continue to be major concerns.