Assam CM Reveals Higher Number of Residents Affected by Nepal Floods

Dispur, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the number of residents from Assam impacted by the devastating floods in Nepal could be greater than the current estimates held by the government. This alarming revelation comes as the region grapples with the aftermath of one of the worst flood disasters in recent years, which has not only affected local communities in Nepal but also left many Assamese residents stranded.

The floods, which have wreaked havoc across large parts of Nepal, were triggered by heavy monsoon rains that began to fall in the region. These downpours resulted in swollen rivers that overflowed their banks, leading to widespread inundation in various districts. The situation has been exacerbated by the geographical vulnerabilities of Nepal, a country characterized by its mountainous terrain and river systems that can quickly become treacherous during periods of intense rainfall.

“I believe that, without the knowledge of the Assam government, many other Assamese people may have been in Nepal. As rescue operations progress, we will gradually get more information about those who were there, and I will share the details as we receive them,” Sarma stated during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Lok Sewa Bhawan. This highlights the challenges faced by the government in tracking its residents who may have traveled to Nepal for various reasons, including tourism, work, or family visits.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is maintaining constant communication with the Nepal government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), utilizing both “formal and informal” channels to trace stranded residents and facilitate their return. This diplomatic engagement is crucial not just for the safety of the individuals involved but also for building and maintaining strong bilateral relations between India and Nepal, especially during times of crisis.

Sarma noted that information regarding individuals from Assam affected by the disaster is still emerging, including updates about the safety of some whose names were not initially included in official lists. The verification process for those affected is complex, as families often rely on informal networks to gather information about their loved ones, which can lead to discrepancies in official records.

“A short while ago, we received an email from the family of Dr. Tirtha Chaliha confirming that she is safe. There are a few more people who are still missing. Today, we also saw in a release issued by the Government of India that a person named Mrityunjoy Narzary had been rescued, although his name was not in the list available to us,” he added. This statement underscores the fluid nature of the situation, where updates can come in sporadically as rescue operations continue and information flows in from various sources.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that eight individuals whose safety had been verified are set to return to India on Sunday. “Yesterday evening, we received information about eight people. At 5 PM today, eight people will enter India and will travel from Kathmandu to Siliguri by flight. Dhubri Police are on their way to Siliguri. They should be back in Assam by Sunday evening,” Sarma explained. The return of these individuals is a positive development amidst the ongoing crisis, providing a glimmer of hope for families anxiously awaiting news.

According to the latest list issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on August 30, 16 individuals from Assam are either reported missing or stranded in Nepal. This statistic reflects the wider impact of the floods and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of communities across borders, especially in regions like Assam and Nepal that share cultural and familial ties.

Of these, seven—Soneswar Narzary, Pankaj Barman, Samar Bezbaruah, Dr. Tirtha Chaliha, Silva Marak, Sarbison Marak, and Elipson Sangma—have been confirmed safe. However, nine others—Rhituopurno Brahma, Montri Basumatary, Rahul Daimary, Shatadal Nath, Pankaj Naug, Arun Mahanta, Dr. Dipali Sarkar, Manash Kr Ghosh, and Birson Sangma—are yet to be confirmed safe, according to the ASDMA list. The ongoing search for these individuals is critical, as families and communities seek closure or reassurance regarding their loved ones' fates.

The number of Assam residents whose safety has been confirmed has risen to nine after Gautam Das and Gopal Debnath were separately confirmed safe by the Chief Minister, even though their names did not appear in the latest ASDMA list. This situation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in compiling accurate and timely information during a crisis, as well as the importance of effective communication between families, local governments, and rescue agencies.

Sarma's latest remarks suggest that the number could increase further as authorities receive fresh information from families, rescue agencies, and government channels. This ongoing flow of information is vital for ensuring that all affected individuals are accounted for and that necessary support can be provided to those in need.

The Assam government's outreach comes as Nepal grapples with one of its worst flood disasters in recent years. As of Sunday, the death toll from the flash floods had risen to 768, while rescuers continued efforts to locate nearly 2,500 people reported missing five days after the disaster. The scale of the tragedy is immense, with entire communities displaced and critical infrastructure damaged, raising concerns about long-term recovery efforts.

In conclusion, the situation in Nepal and its implications for Assam residents underscore the importance of international cooperation and timely communication in disaster response. As rescue operations continue and more information is gathered, the focus must remain on ensuring the safety of those affected and providing the necessary support to facilitate their return home. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of such disasters.