PM Modi calls Northeast CMs to take stock of severe floods affecting over 5.35 lakh people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held telephonic conversations with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prem Singh Tamang respectively, and the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Bhalla, to review the ongoing flood situation in the Northeast. Assam continues to face a severe crisis as over 5.35 lakh people across 22 districts are affected by widespread flooding caused by continuous heavy rainfall. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati has issued an orange alert for Dhubri, South Salmara Mankachar, Goalpara, and Kokrajhar districts, indicating the likelihood of more rain in these areas.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma briefed the Prime Minister on the state’s relief operations and the impact of the floods on people’s lives. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority has reported 11 deaths due to floods and landslides, including six from flooding and five from landslides. In the past 24 hours, one person drowned in the Hojai district, while two others remain missing in Hailakandi and Dibrugarh districts. Floodwaters have affected 254 villages across 65 revenue circles, with Sribhumi district being the worst-hit, impacting more than 1.94 lakh people.

Relief efforts are ongoing, with approximately 1.85 lakh people taking shelter in 322 relief camps and distribution centers established across flood-affected districts in Assam. Other severely affected districts include Cachar (77,961 people), Nagaon (67,880), Lakhimpur (47,127), Hailakandi (30,234), Dibrugarh (20,179), and Tinsukia (19,289). Assam CM Sarma is currently visiting Cachar, one of the worst-hit districts, to oversee relief work.

In Manipur, over 56,000 people have been affected by flash floods resulting from overflowing rivers and breached embankments. Official reports state that 10,477 houses have been damaged and 2,913 people evacuated. Flooding has submerged parts of the Imphal city and several areas in Imphal East district. One person is missing after being swept away by a river in Imphal East. Authorities have set up 57 relief camps, primarily in the hardest-hit Imphal East district, and rescue operations continue.

Sikkim has experienced landslides triggered by heavy rain, including a catastrophic incident near Lachen town that resulted in the deaths of three army personnel and six soldiers missing. Over 1,600 tourists stranded in northern Sikkim’s Lachung and Chungthang towns have been evacuated, while more than 100 remain stranded in Lachen. In response to the situation, Prime Minister Modi assured full support from the Central government to the states for relief, rehabilitation, and rescue operations. Assam CM Sarma expressed gratitude for the support and guidance from the Central government.