Receding Assam Floodwaters Leave Charaideo, Sivasagar Residents Facing Long Clean-up
Floodwaters have started to recede in Assam’s Charaideo and Sivasagar districts, exposing damage to homes and livelihoods. Residents describe silt-filled houses
Floodwaters are slowly receding in Assam’s Charaideo and Sivasagar districts. Residents say the retreat of water has brought a clearer picture of the damage left behind, with families struggling to rebuild after losing homes, daily belongings and livelihoods.
In Sivasagar, residents from areas such as Betbari and Santak described how floodwater entered their houses quickly. They said they could not save items as the water rose within minutes. Many described the moment of flooding as sudden and overwhelming, with homes damaged and key personal items washed away.
Silt-filled homes complicate clean-up
While the water has gone, residents say clean-up remains a major challenge. Thick layers of silt have accumulated inside homes, making it difficult to restore rooms and furniture. One resident said the floor and household items were covered in silt, and clearing it has become an urgent task for surviving families.
Several affected families described being displaced. One resident from Santak said the family is currently living by the roadside after their house was destroyed. She listed immediate needs including food, drinking water, clothes and medicines, and said relief has not been enough to meet daily requirements.
Shortage of water and concerns about support
Residents also raised concerns about access to basic services after the floods. They said there is an acute shortage of drinking water in their areas and that they have faced difficulties getting timely help. One resident said local support from non-government groups and people from other districts has been helpful, but that they have not received sufficient assistance through official channels.
Another villager said recovery could take years because many families have lost everything. The flooding, residents said, appears to have been linked to heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nagaland. As water levels continue to fall, the focus for many households is now on clearing silt, arranging safe living spaces and securing supplies while rebuilding begins.
