New Delhi | Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called for a long-term and scientific solution to Assam’s recurring flood crisis, urging the Centre and the state government to strengthen flood prevention and disaster management measures while ensuring comprehensive relief and rehabilitation for affected families.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in this year’s floods, Gandhi extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the lakhs of people affected across the state.

“The news of the loss of lives in the devastating floods in Assam is deeply saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. My deepest sympathies are with the lakhs of people affected by this disaster,” Gandhi said in a social media post in Hindi.

Noting that Assam faces devastating floods almost every year, the Congress leader stressed the need to move beyond temporary relief measures and adopt a sustainable flood management strategy.

“The time has come for us to establish a robust and permanent system to tackle the flood menace-a system that prioritises scientific prevention, early warning mechanisms, strong infrastructure and rehabilitation so that people do not have to face such tragedies year after year,” he said.

Gandhi also urged both the Union and Assam governments to spare no effort in carrying out relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations for flood-affected residents. His remarks came as the Assam government shifted its focus from emergency response to restoration and rehabilitation following an improvement in the flood situation.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that ministers would visit flood-affected districts immediately after the ongoing Assembly session to oversee sector-wise restoration work.

“Once the Assembly session concludes, ministers of every department will visit the affected districts to undertake sector-wise restoration work, including repairing schools, restoring healthcare services, rebuilding rural infrastructure and accelerating rehabilitation,” Sarma had said.

Meanwhile, demands to declare Assam’s recurring flood and river erosion crisis a national issue have gained fresh momentum. Joining the appeal, Auniati Satra Satradhikar Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the flood-ravaged districts and assess the extent of the devastation firsthand.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Assam on several occasions, but I urge him to come now. Let him hear the cries of the people and witness their suffering. The devastation caused by the floods in Jorhat, Sivasagar and Charaideo is unprecedented,” Goswami said.

His appeal follows a renewed demand by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) for Assam’s annual flood and erosion problem to be recognised as a national issue requiring sustained central intervention.

According to the latest official figures, this year’s floods have claimed 68 lives, while more than 5.24 lakh people remain affected across several districts despite a marked improvement in the overall flood situation. The state government is currently operating 354 relief facilities, including relief camps and distribution centres, with 37,724 displaced people taking shelter in relief camps as restoration efforts continue.