Assam Floods 2026

Background

Following the cloudburst and intense rainfall over the upper catchments of Nagaland state during 18–20 July 2026, major rivers including the Disang, Dikhow, Jhanji, Bhogdoi and Dhansiri (South) overflowed, causing widespread flooding across seven districts of Assam. While water levels have started receding across most affected areas, two major rivers are still flowing above the danger level. People continue to take shelter in relief camps and on high-rise places, including highways and state roads. Extensive inundation has left thousands of households facing damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, contaminated water sources and damaged public infrastructure. Humanitarian priorities are shifting from life-saving rescue to sustained relief assistance and early recovery interventions.

As per Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)’s DRIMS report as on 2 August 2026, 1,78,837 people have been worst impacted, with the overall affected population at over 800,000 and 15,060 hectares of crop area remaining submerged. Floodwaters from the Dikhou (Sivasagar) and Dhansiri (South), Numaligarh have inundated major population clusters in Golaghat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Bajali, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Jorhat. The worst affected population comprises 75,388 males, 76,104 females and 27,345 children, with the highest caseloads in Charaideo (75,199), Sivasagar (58,824), Jorhat (28,846) and Golaghat (14,545). This is the worst flooding in 60 years of Assam’s history. The overall affected number is reducing as people return from camps to high-rise areas, though challenges remain in meeting basic needs of food, water, sanitation, hygiene and livelihoods.

Flooding has significantly impacted livestock-dependent households. A total of 6,765 animals are affected, including 2,795 big, 2,587 small and 1,383 poultry. Additionally, 1,543 animals have been washed away — primarily 1,500 poultry from Sivasagar — posing serious livelihood risks for farming and pastoral communities already facing crop losses.

Floodwaters have damaged homes and essential structures across multiple districts. A total of 267 houses are fully or severely damaged (including 228 kuccha and 39 pucca), while 1,092 houses are partially damaged (645 kuccha, 447 pucca). Damage to 347 other structures, including 171 huts and 126 cattle sheds in Sivasagar and 50 huts in Charaideo, highlights extensive loss of shelter and livestock infrastructure. Flooding has submerged 15,060 hectares of agricultural land, with major losses in Charaideo (8,300 ha), Sivasagar (5,011 ha), Golaghat (1,346 ha) and Jorhat (325 ha). Stagnant floodwaters and damaged water sources have increased risks of contamination and waterborne diseases. Flood-affected pockets, especially low-lying rural areas, are experiencing intermittent disruptions in electricity and communication networks.