One missing, 48 villages submerged as floods ravage Hailakandi
Katakhal River hits record 22.73 metres; district administration opens 17 relief camps across affected areas
Hailakandi, June 2: The flood situation in Assam continues to deteriorate, with rising water levels, breached embankments, and increasing displacement reported across several districts.
In Hailakandi, a man has been reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters, officials said on Monday.
The missing individual, Bishu Roy, fell into the surging waters of the Katakhal River on Sunday. Despite a prompt rescue operation, authorities have been unable to trace him.
Government data also show that the Katakhal River has reached its highest-ever recorded flood level of 22.73 metres and continues to rise.
Floodwaters have severely disrupted surface communication in the district, with portions of National Highway 37—particularly in Panchgram and Salchapra—remaining submerged.
The district administration reported that 48 villages have been completely submerged, with major breaches in embankments at Rajyeshwarpur, Matijuri, Nimaichandpur, and Toslakhal along the Katakhal.
Thousands have been affected by the breaches. According to official figures, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has so far rescued 83 marooned individuals.
All government and private educational institutions in the district have been ordered shut on Monday and Tuesday. Several schools are reportedly under water.
As large parts of Hailakandi remain inundated, the district administration has opened 17 relief camps across affected areas at the time of writing this report.
Minister Krishnendu Paul inspecting the flood situation in Hailakandi (AT Photo)
Assam Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul visited one such relief camp—at Annada Charan Girls’ HS School in Kalinagar—on Monday and assured flood-hit residents of the state government’s support.
“The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation in Barak Valley and will visit Hailakandi soon,” Paul said, urging the public to cooperate with authorities.
The Minister also noted that the district administration, along with departments such as Water Resources, is working to fortify embankments and ensure critical dykes remain functional.
With floodwaters continuing to rise and more areas coming under threat, authorities remain on high alert, ramping up relief and rescue efforts to tackle the escalating crisis.