Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for the creation of a permanent, science-driven flood management framework in Assam, stressing that the state’s recurring floods require long-term solutions rather than temporary responses.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the floods, Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and extended his sympathies to the lakhs of people affected by the disaster. He said both the Centre and the Assam government must make every possible effort to ensure timely rescue, relief and rehabilitation for those impacted.
Highlighting Assam’s annual struggle with floods, Gandhi said repeated disasters continue to claim lives and destroy homes and livelihoods. He advocated for a comprehensive system focused on flood prevention, advanced early warning mechanisms, resilient infrastructure and effective rehabilitation so that communities are not forced to endure similar tragedies every year.
His remarks come as Assam’s flood death toll has climbed to 68, while over 5.24 lakh people remain affected across five districts. Although floodwaters have started receding in many areas, relief operations remain in full swing. Authorities are operating 354 relief camps and distribution centres, providing shelter and assistance to more than 37,700 displaced residents.
Rescue and relief work is being undertaken jointly by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services and the Assam Police. Officials have also reported extensive damage to embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, singer Papon has urged people across India and abroad to support flood-affected families in Assam, describing this year’s disaster as unprecedented in recent memory.
In a video shared on social media platform X, the Assam-born musician said the devastation had submerged entire villages, leaving thousands homeless and without livelihoods. He said many people had lost their lives, several remained missing and countless animals had perished in the floods.
Calling the situation a humanitarian crisis, Papon appealed for people to come together and contribute to relief efforts. He said volunteers and rescue teams were working tirelessly on the ground but required broader public support to reach those in need.
According to the latest Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) bulletin, the state’s flood-related death toll has risen to 68.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said members of the state Cabinet would visit flood-affected districts to monitor rehabilitation work, while relief operations remain the government’s immediate priority in severely impacted districts such as Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.
The Chief Minister also said electricity supply, which had been suspended in several areas as a precautionary measure, is being restored in phases after safety inspections by Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) teams. Restoration work is currently underway in districts including Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Dhubri and Bongaigaon.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the flood situation as extremely serious and said the Centre has been working closely with the Assam government since the onset of the crisis. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously monitoring developments and remains in regular contact with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Sonowal also informed that a high-level inter-ministerial team has already reached Assam to assess the extent of the damage and interact with affected residents before further assistance is announced.
Actor Bhumi Pednekar has also appealed to citizens across the country to contribute to flood relief efforts, saying the scale of destruction in Assam requires immediate national attention.
Through videos posted on social media, Pednekar highlighted the widespread loss of homes, livelihoods and lives, saying many villages had been washed away and countless families left with nothing. She urged people to donate generously, provide essential relief materials and help amplify awareness through social media.
The actor said Assam now needs the same nationwide solidarity that other flood-affected states received in previous years, emphasising the urgent need for food, sanitation facilities, mattresses and evacuation support.
The Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation thanked Pednekar for supporting its Assam Flood Relief Mission, while singer Nilotpal Bora appreciated her efforts and encouraged her to highlight the work of voluntary organisations engaged in rescue and rehabilitation across the state.
The Office of the Assam Chief Minister also acknowledged Pednekar’s support, expressing gratitude for standing beside flood-affected families during the ongoing crisis.
Officials said the flood situation, though gradually improving, continues to remain serious in several districts. The state government has announced additional relief measures, including the distribution of two lakh Mekhela-Chadors for women and clothing for two lakh children affected by the floods. More than seven lakh people across 12 districts have been impacted, with Sivasagar continuing to be the worst-affected district.
