The first spell of monsoon floods has begun wreaking havoc across Assam, affecting more than 22,000 people in six districts after days of incessant rainfall in the state and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. Swollen rivers, widespread inundation and severe riverbank erosion have not only displaced thousands but also damaged critical railway infrastructure, disrupting train services in the region.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a total of 22,124 people have been affected by the floods in Dhemaji, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Chirang, Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar districts. Dhemaji remains the worst-hit district, where 15,483 residents are grappling with rising floodwaters and extensive damage.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has suspended train movement between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations after heavy flooding and riverbank erosion destabilised one of the piers of a railway bridge.
According to the NFR, the bridge, originally built in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, had remained structurally sound until heavy rains washed away a significant portion of the riverbank, leaving one of its piers unstable.
"As a precautionary measure, train operations on the section have been suspended until further notice," the railway said in a statement.
Officials confirmed that no trains were damaged and no injuries were reported, as services had already been halted on the low-traffic branch line due to the swollen river.
Train services between Murkongselek and Silapathar under the Tinsukia division will remain suspended until further notice. Trains operating on the route will now originate from and terminate at Silapathar.
To minimise inconvenience, the NFR has arranged bus services for passengers between Murkongselek and Silapathar. Help desks have also been established at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek railway stations to assist stranded commuters.
Railway authorities said they are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with the Assam government and district administrations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to review the flood situation, particularly in Dhemaji district.
Sharing details of the conversation on X, Sarma said the Home Minister enquired about the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway and assured the state of all possible assistance from the Centre.
"I thank Hon'ble Home Minister Amit Shah for calling me and enquiring about the flood situation in Dhemaji. I briefed him on the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken here. He has also assured us of every possible assistance from the Government of India to deal with this situation," the Chief Minister posted.
The floods have submerged 96 villages across the affected districts, leaving thousands of families struggling with inundated homes and disrupted livelihoods.
Nearly 1,690 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, raising concerns over crop losses during the ongoing monsoon season. The floodwaters have also severely affected livestock, with 48,199 animals impacted in the current wave of flooding.
Continuous rainfall has caused the Brahmaputra and several of its tributaries to swell rapidly. According to the ASDMA, the Disang River is flowing above the danger mark at Nanglamuraghat in Sivasagar district, heightening fears that the flood situation could worsen if heavy rainfall persists.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government is closely monitoring the evolving flood situation and has directed officials to ensure immediate relief reaches affected families.
"Since the flood situation has unfolded in Dhemaji, I've been closely monitoring the situation. We are deeply saddened by the impact it has had on the lives of our people and in this difficult time, we firmly stand with them," Sarma said in another post on X.
He added that the government is mobilising all available resources to prioritise both the immediate safety of residents and the long-term rehabilitation of families affected by the floods.
With rivers continuing to swell and rainfall forecast to persist, authorities remain on high alert as rescue, relief and restoration efforts continue across the flood-hit districts.
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