Guwahati | The flood situation in Assam deteriorated sharply on Sunday, with one more death reported and the number of affected people rising to over 57,000 across seven districts. In view of the worsening conditions, the state government has placed the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force on standby for possible evacuation and rescue operations.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a flood-related death was reported from Sivasagar district, taking the overall death toll from this year’s floods to five.

The latest ASDMA flood bulletin stated that more than 57,100 people have been affected in Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts. The figure marks a significant increase from nearly 24,000 people affected across four districts a day earlier.

Charaideo remains the worst-hit district, with nearly 24,000 people impacted, followed by Dhemaji, where more than 22,000 residents have been affected. Dibrugarh district has reported over 4,000 affected people.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government has sought the support of the armed forces as floodwaters continue to rise in several Upper Assam districts.

“As the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat continues to worsen, the Government of Assam has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to remain on standby to support evacuation and rescue operations, if required,” Sarma said in a post on X.

The Chief Minister also directed four cabinet ministers-Ajanta Neog, Bimal Borah, Keshab Mahanta and Susanta Borgohain-to immediately visit the affected districts and oversee rescue and relief measures on the ground.

Stressing the government’s commitment to public safety, Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to safeguard lives and provide assistance to those affected.

ASDMA officials said 14 relief camps and relief distribution centres are currently operational across four districts, providing shelter and support to displaced residents. At present, 440 people are staying in these facilities.

Rescue operations continued through the day, with personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescuing 10 people from flood-hit areas of Charaideo district.

Authorities also distributed essential relief supplies over the past 24 hours, including 58.17 quintals of rice, 10.89 quintals of pulses, 3.26 quintals of salt and 326.88 litres of mustard oil.

The floods have submerged 298 villages across the state and damaged nearly 3,875 hectares of agricultural land. Infrastructure, including embankments, roads and bridges, has also suffered damage in several affected districts.

Meanwhile, the Burhidihing River continued to flow above the danger mark at Chenimari in Dibrugarh district’s Khowang area. ASDMA further reported that more than 37,500 domestic animals and poultry have been affected by the floods.

With water levels remaining high and rainfall continuing in several catchment areas, authorities remain on alert as the state braces for further challenges in the coming days.