Guwahati | The ongoing floods in Assam have severely affected the state’s livestock sector, with more than 88,000 animals impacted across six of the worst-hit districts, according to the latest official data.

Figures released by the authorities show that 88,240 livestock have been affected, including 45,895 large animals, 26,335 small animals, and 16,010 poultry, underscoring the widespread impact of the floods on rural livelihoods and the agricultural economy.

Golaghat recorded the highest number of affected livestock with 24,723 animals, followed by Jorhat (23,163), Nagaon (19,738), Sivasagar (10,279), Charaideo (9,964) and Dibrugarh (373). The floods have also caused heavy livestock losses, with 9,973 animal deaths reported, all from Charaideo district. The fatalities include 2,042 large animals, 2,225 small animals, and 5,706 poultry, making Charaideo the worst-hit district in terms of livestock mortality.

The losses are expected to have a significant impact on farming households that depend on cattle, goats, poultry and other livestock as a primary source of income and sustenance. To mitigate the impact, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has intensified relief operations in flood-affected areas by supplying fodder, providing veterinary treatment and conducting disease surveillance to prevent outbreaks among livestock.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia has urged the Assam government to provide direct financial compensation to families that have lost livestock and poultry in the floods. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, the Khumtai legislator said the disaster has dealt a severe blow to the rural economy, particularly to households engaged in animal husbandry and poultry farming.

“The flood has completely shattered the economies of several districts in Assam, particularly the rural economy. The government must compensate people for losses in the poultry and livestock sectors,” Saikia said, while appreciating the relief measures already initiated by the state government.

His appeal comes as Assam continues to battle one of its worst flood seasons, with the state’s flood-related death toll rising to 68, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS). Authorities continue relief, rehabilitation and damage assessment efforts as floodwaters recede in several parts of the state while conditions remain critical in others.