Guwahati: The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Thursday, with two more deaths reported in the past 24 hours, taking the total flood-related death toll in the state this year to 97. More than 1.68 lakh people across 15 districts are currently affected by the floods, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

Two More Lives Lost

ASDMA said one person each died in Golaghat and Udalguri districts during the last 24 hours. The worst-affected districts include Golaghat, Sivasagar, Udalguri, Kamrup Metropolitan, Nagaon, Kamrup, Darrang, Sonitpur, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Jorhat, Charaideo, Karbi Anglong, and Dhemaji.

Golaghat Worst-Hit District

Golaghat remains the worst-affected district, with nearly 54,000 people impacted by the floods. It is followed by Sivasagar, where over 49,000 people have been affected, and Jorhat, with around 27,000 affected residents.

The number of flood-hit people has increased from around 1.60 lakh in 14 districts on Wednesday to more than 1.68 lakh across 15 districts.

Relief Operations Continue

The ASDMA said that 133 relief camps and relief distribution centres are currently operational across six districts, providing shelter, food, and essential assistance to nearly 45,000 displaced people.

Meanwhile, 481 villages remain submerged, while floodwaters have damaged 14,382.26 hectares of agricultural land across the state.

According to the bulletin, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark. Floodwaters have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure in several districts.

IMD Forecasts More Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further rainfall in the region.

According to the weather agency:

• Arunachal Pradesh is likely to receive rainfall between August 6 and August 12.
• Assam and Meghalaya may witness rainfall at isolated to scattered places between August 8 and August 11.
• Heavy to widespread rainfall is also expected over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during the forecast period, raising concerns about fresh flooding.

Schools to Reopen in Sivasagar and Charaideo from August 10

The Assam Government has announced that schools in the flood-affected districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo will resume classes from August 10.

State Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said the decision aims to minimise academic disruption while ensuring students continue their education despite the flood situation. Schools that are still inaccessible or have suffered damage due to flooding will remain closed until conditions improve.

The government is also making alternative arrangements for students whose schools are not yet fit to reopen, ensuring that their education continues without major interruption.

Government Focuses on Relief and Restoration

The state government continues to intensify relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts in flood-affected areas. Authorities are working to provide food, shelter, medical assistance, and other essential services to affected families while closely monitoring river levels and weather conditions amid forecasts of further rainfall.