Assam floods submerge Nazira tea estates, over 57,000 people affected

Guwahati: The Tea Association of India (TAI), Assam Branch, expresses deep concern over the unprecedented flood situation that has severely affected the tea-growing areas of Nazira Sub-Division in Sivasagar District following incessant rainfall in the adjoining State of Nagaland.

The sudden surge of water in the rivers originating from Nagaland resulted in all major rivers flowing above the danger level. The breach of the embankment on the Dorika River further aggravated the situation, causing extensive inundation across the tea estates of the Nazira region.

TAI stated that almost all tea estates in the affected area have been submerged, with workers' residential quarters, estate hospitals, schools, roads and other essential infrastructure remaining under floodwaters. Thousands of tea workers and their family members have been compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in factory buildings, managers' bungalows and other elevated structures within the estates.


TAI added, “Among the affected estates, Bamonpookrie Tea Estate has suffered the most severe devastation. In an extraordinary and distressing incident, a pregnant worker delivered a baby inside the factory premises under extremely challenging circumstances as floodwaters made it impossible to reach a medical facility in time. Another expectant mother, who was on the verge of delivery, also required urgent medical attention, highlighting the grave humanitarian challenges faced by the stranded workers”.

TAI stated despite the adverse conditions, the Management of the affected tea estates extended all possible assistance to the displaced workers by arranging shelter, cooked food, drinking water, essential supplies and emergency support. Estate staff worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the workers and their families throughout the crisis.

The Tea Association of India also acknowledges and sincerely appreciates the prompt response of the District Administration, Sivasagar, which coordinated rescue operations, facilitated the evacuation of stranded persons and ensured timely medical assistance for those in need. The collaborative efforts of the District Administration, disaster response agencies and the estate managements have played a crucial role in safeguarding lives during this unprecedented natural calamity.

While immediate rescue operations are underway, the humanitarian crisis remains far from over. Restoration of drinking water, electricity, roads, medical services and workers' housing will require sustained support in the coming days. The Tea Association of India urges all concerned authorities to continue relief and rehabilitation efforts on priority so that normalcy can be restored at the earliest.

Four cabinet ministers reached the flood affected districts of Upper Assam to oversee rescue and relief operations.

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta and Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain visited flood-hit areas in Sivasagar, Jorhat and Charaideo to assess the situation, monitor ongoing operations and coordinate with district administrations.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched Operation Jal Rahat, joining the state's rescue efforts to evacuate people stranded in several flood-hit areas of Upper Assam. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), floods had affected eight districts, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Udalguri and Jorhat, till Sunday evening. Five people have lost their lives in this year’s flooding while the number of people affected by the deluge climbed to more than 57,000.