The state of Assam is grappling with a severe flood crisis following the breaching of embankments due to heavy rainfall. As of July 8, 2024, the floods have claimed 72 lives and displaced millions, causing widespread devastation across 27 districts. The situation remains dire, with over 1.8 million people affected, extensive damage to infrastructure, and significant loss of crops and livestock.

The affected districts include Goalpara, Nagaon, Cachar, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Nalbari, Morigaon, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, South Salmara, Dhubri, Jorhat, Charaideo, Hojai, Karimganj, Sivasagar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Hailakandi, Golaghat, Darrang, Biswanath, Kamrup (M), Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, Chirang, Karbi Anglong West, and Majuli. Dhubri is the worst-hit district with 472,848 affected individuals, followed by Cachar with 201,572 and Golaghat with 112,322. The floods have damaged 3,331 houses and 49,014.06 hectares of crop area, forcing thousands into 543 relief camps.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, local administration, Indian Army, and paramilitary forces deployed across the state. The government has set up relief distribution centres, providing essentials like rice, salt, baby food, and cattle feed. The Inter-Agency Group (IAG) Assam has conducted coordination meetings and is leading joint rapid need assessments to address immediate needs.

Caritas India, the convenor of IAG Assam, is at the forefront of the relief efforts. With 837 task forces formed during the Global Program India actively engaged, Caritas India has been pivotal in rescuing affected individuals and assessing the situation.

Key initiatives by Caritas India include:

• Joint Rapid Need Assessment (JRNA): Conducted in Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and Cachar to identify immediate needs.
• Task Force Deployment: In Morigaon, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur, Caritas India task force members are assisting people in moving to safer locations and relief camps.
• Relief Aid Concentration: Focusing on 7 affected blocks in Cachar, Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur, Caritas India aims to enhance hygiene practices and improve living conditions for flood-affected families.

The relief will support 1,800 households (8,190 individuals) with improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and dwelling conditions. In cases of dual needs, the reach will be 1,000 households (4,550 individuals).

• Safe and dignified shelter kits will be provided to 900 households (4,095 individuals)
• WASH kits tailored for women, infants, and elderly individuals will be provided to 900 households (4,095 individuals) to prevent health risks and promote well-being.

Caritas India coordinates with other humanitarian organizations, regional NGOs, local government officials, and the Inter-Agency Committee. Regular updates on the situation and needs of the worst-affected families are being monitored in collaboration with partners and Sphere India.

The swift and comprehensive response of Caritas India in the Assam flood crisis underscores its commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As the situation evolves, continued support and coordinated efforts remain crucial to alleviate the suffering of those affected and facilitate their recovery.