New Delhi, June 2: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday, criticised the Centre over the flood situation in the northeastern states and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would “open the floodgates” of the PM CARES Fund.

Citing the worsening flood conditions in the region, Kharge said the Centre must urgently release funds to the affected states.

“Modi government must release more funds to all northeastern states, especially Assam, for flood preparedness. Perhaps Modi ji could open the floodgates of the PM CARES Fund, crores of which lie without a public audit,” Kharge said in a social media post, taking a swipe at the Prime Minister.

Referring to Assam, the Congress president recalled that Modi had promised in 2016 to make the state flood-free, a pledge that appears to have gone unfulfilled.

“In 2016, BJP had promised to make a ‘flood-free’ Assam. In 2022, Home Minister Amit Shah repeated this promise. Looking at the visuals from the so-called ‘Smart City’ Guwahati, one is reminded how Modi ji and his double-engine governments have betrayed Assam,” Kharge wrote.

He also urged Congress leaders and workers to step up and do “everything to provide assistance to the people”.

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, and Meghalaya are among the worst-affected states in the ongoing crisis.

In Assam, the death toll due to floods has risen to 10, with close to 4 lakh people affected as of Sunday evening.

The situation is expected to worsen for people living in low-lying and riverbank areas, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring regions.

PTI

The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Monday, with water levels rising across multiple districts due to persistent rainfall. The India Meteorological Department’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati has warned of moderate to very heavy rainfall in most parts of the state, and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets, worsening the crisis in the coming days.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), two more deaths were reported on Sunday from Cachar and Sribhumi districts, pushing the total flood and landslide-related fatalities in the state to 10 this year. ASDMA also stated that around four lakh people are reeling under the deluge across 15 districts.

Cachar remains the worst-affected district, with over one lakh residents impacted. Sribhumi follows with 85,000 affected, and Nagaon with 62,000.

Thousands Displaced, Relief Efforts Intensify

Relief operations are in full swing with 155 relief camps and distribution centres operational in 12 districts. These camps are currently sheltering 10,272 displaced individuals. In the past 24 hours, authorities have distributed over 1,090 quintals of rice, 284 quintals of dal, 952 quintals of salt, and more than 4,700 litres of mustard oil to the affected populations.

ASDMA reported that 764 villages remain inundated, and nearly 3,525 hectares of crop area have been damaged. Embankments, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have also suffered extensive damage due to the swelling floodwaters.

Rivers Breach Danger Marks

Major rivers including the Brahmaputra are flowing above the danger mark at several points such as Dibrugarh and Nimatighat. Its tributaries—Dhansiri at Numaligarh and Kopili at Kampur—are also overflowing. The Barak River is above the danger mark at Badarpur Ghat, with its tributaries Kushiyara and Katakhal similarly breaching safe levels at Sribhumi and Matizuri, respectively.

With continuous rainfall in Assam and surrounding regions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned of deteriorating conditions in low-lying and riverbank areas. Residents in these vulnerable zones have been urged to remain alert and cooperate with authorities.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday warned residents in riverside and low-lying areas to stay alert as heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh threatens to worsen flooding.

In a post on X, Sarma said, “Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm) and in nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories. Stay safe, stay prepared.”

He noted that upstream rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh — 17 cm in Kibitoo, 15 cm in Hayuliang and 10 cm in Kalaktang — could sharply raise river levels across Assam. The state is already grappling with a grim flood situation, with 10 major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Barak, flowing above the danger mark.

So far, floods and landslides have claimed eight lives. Over 78,000 people across more than 15 districts have been affected. Transport infrastructure has taken a hit, with road traffic, train movement and ferry services disrupted.

The Central Water Commission has issued an orange alert, warning of more rain and rising water levels. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to Sarma, offering central assistance and support for ongoing relief efforts.

Guwahati, June 2: The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Monday with the water levels rising in many parts of the state, officials said.

At present, the mighty Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark at Dibrugarh and Nimatighat. Its tributaries Dhansiri at Numaligarh and Kopili at Kampur are flowing above the danger level.

The Barak is flowing above the danger mark at Badarpur Ghat, while its tributary Kushiyara at Sribhumi and Katakhal in Matizuri are also flowing above the danger mark, a report from Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.

The situation may worsen in the coming days as the India Meteorological Department’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has said that moderate rainfall is very likely to occur at most places of Assam, while heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places.

At present, 764 villages are under water and 3,524.38 hectares of crop areas have been damaged across Assam, the ASDMA said.

The administration has been operating 155 relief camps and relief distribution centres in 12 districts, taking care of 10,272 displaced people at present.

The authorities have distributed 1,090.08 quintals of rice, 284.63 quintals of dal, 952.76 quintals of salt and 4,726.26 litres of mustard oil among the flood victims of the state during the last 24 hours.

Embankments, roads, bridges and other infrastructure have been damaged by flood waters in many districts across the state.

The situation is likely to worsen for the people living in low-lying and river bank areas due to continued heavy rainfall in the state and neighbouring areas, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cautioned on Sunday evening.

The total number of people losing their lives in this year’s flood and landslides has increased to 10, the ASDMA report said.

PTI

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As heavy rainfall continues to lash Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged residents to remain cautious amid rising floodwaters. Several districts have been affected, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched emergency rescue operations in the most severely impacted areas.

The chief minister addressed the public through social media and press briefings, warning citizens to avoid waterlogged zones and stay updated through official alerts. “People must stay alert and cooperate with rescue teams,” he stated. “Your safety is our priority.”

Read More: Inter-State Harmony: Minister Appeals to Assamese in Arunachal

Assam CM Urges Caution as Flood Situation Worsens

The state has experienced relentless rainfall over the past week, causing the Brahmaputra and other rivers to overflow. This has led to the flooding of residential areas, farmland, and highways. Districts like Darrang, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Barpeta are among the worst affected.

Assam CM urges caution especially for residents living near embankments and low-lying zones. “Please do not ignore evacuation requests,” Sarma appealed. The government has opened over 200 relief camps and is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the IAF.

IAF Launches Emergency Rescue Operations

With road access cut off in several villages, the Indian Air Force began aerial rescue missions using helicopters to airlift stranded families and distribute emergency supplies. On Sunday alone, five sorties were conducted in Barpeta and Lakhimpur, saving over 300 people.

“The IAF is working round-the-clock to support civil authorities,” confirmed a Defence PRO. Supplies like food packets, drinking water, and medical aid have been air-dropped in isolated locations.

The Assam CM urges caution in view of continued weather alerts and potential landslides in hilly terrain. The state government is also closely monitoring the situation through satellite updates and ground reports.

Displacement and Damage Mount

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 1.2 lakh people have been affected across 18 districts. More than 8,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, and livestock losses have been reported.

In many areas, schools and community centers have been converted into temporary shelters. “Our village is under three feet of water,” said Anjali Das, a resident of Bajali district. “We had to leave everything behind.”

Local volunteers, NGOs, and youth groups are helping with food distribution and maintaining hygiene in relief camps. However, shortages of clean drinking water and baby food are being reported.

CM Reviews Situation, Visits Control Rooms

CM Sarma conducted aerial surveys and visited state control rooms to review rescue and relief efforts. He assured the public that no effort is being spared. “Our teams are working on a war footing,” he said.

He also urged people to call the 1070 disaster helpline or report emergencies through the “Flood Watch” portal. Assam CM urges caution and requests public cooperation to ensure rescue teams can reach affected zones swiftly.

Educational Institutions Closed, Transport Disrupted

The Education Department has ordered the closure of schools in flood-hit areas until further notice. Bus and rail services in many regions have been suspended or rerouted due to submerged roads and damaged tracks.

Air travel has also been disrupted at Dibrugarh and Jorhat airports, where heavy rains and poor visibility have delayed several flights.

The government has directed district administrations to prioritize drinking water, electricity restoration, and sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks in relief camps.

IMD Predicts More Rain, Red Alerts Issued

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several Assam districts, forecasting more rain in the coming 48 hours. Flash floods and landslides are possible, particularly in the hill slopes of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

The Assam CM urges caution and asks citizens to stay indoors unless necessary. Farmers are being advised not to venture into flooded fields, while fishermen have been told to avoid venturing into rivers.

The Water Resources Department is also inspecting all embankments and vulnerable riverbanks to preempt breaches.

Center Assures Full Support

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Sarma on Sunday and assured full support from the Centre. Central agencies including the NDRF and the Army have been kept on standby for large-scale deployment if the situation worsens.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also tweeted, “We are in constant touch with the Assam government. All help will be extended to protect lives and restore normalcy.”

Experts Suggest Long-Term Flood Planning

While emergency action is underway, experts are calling for better flood mitigation planning in Assam. Environmentalists point to deforestation, riverbed encroachment, and outdated infrastructure as reasons for frequent flooding.

“We need better drainage, early warning systems, and investment in sustainable river management,” said Dr. Arup Deka, a geologist at Gauhati University.

Cooperation Key to Crisis Management

As rains continue and rivers swell, the Assam CM urges caution as the best defense. Citizens are advised to follow government updates, avoid risky areas, and assist vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

The ongoing IAF rescue mission, along with state and central coordination, offers hope in a challenging situation. But the public’s awareness and cooperation will determine how well Assam weathers this crisis.