Flood recedes, but Nazira battles a humanitarian crisis as silt, disease fears and relief row deepen

NAZIRA, July 25, 2026 — The devastating aftermath of the Dikhow River floods continues to haunt hundreds of villages in Nazira Co-District, where thick layers of silt and mud continue to cover homes and roads, leaving thousands of families in distress.

The catastrophic flood, triggered in the early hours of July 19 following massive landslides between Singphoi and Singtang near Mon district in Nagaland, coupled with the release of water from a hydropower project, caused widespread devastation across Nazira and parts of Sivasagar and Charaideo districts.

Entire localities remain buried under knee-deep sludge, creating a fresh humanitarian crisis even after floodwaters have begun receding. Hundreds of villages have suffered extensive damage, with heavy loss of lives and livestock.

Many affected families are still unable to return home and continue to stay in schools, temples, community halls and roadside shelters under difficult conditions. With inadequate food and sleeping arrangements, children, pregnant women and the elderly are among the worst affected.

Flood-hit residents have alleged that the distribution of relief materials, including food, drinking water, candles, mosquito repellents and medicines, has been affected by political interference, delaying assistance.

Several areas, including Bihubar, Ougurijan, Santak, Nepali Khuti, Komol Chapori, Bogoriguri, Kenduguri, Teteliguri, parts of Simaluguri town, Garmur, Amulapatty, Dikhow Par, Harijan Colony, Bapuji Path, Upper Nazira, Komar Gaon, Kumar Gaon, Maut Gaon, Sundarpukhuri, Legeri Pukhuri, Sanbasa, Budhabari Satra, Bamunpukhuri, Lakhimijan, Chakimukh, Rajapul and Borsila, remain severely affected.

In Nepali Basti at Bihubar, residents who depended on dairy farming said they lost nearly 600-700 Jersey cows, besides goats and other livestock, wiping out their primary source of livelihood.

Business establishments in Simaluguri and Nazira town remain shut as thick silt continues to clog shops. Healthcare services have also been disrupted, with the government-aided hospital in Nazira still closed because of sludge.

Meanwhile, recovery of bodies continues across the region. Official sources said more than 50 bodies have been recovered in Nazira alone, with fears that the toll may rise further.

Although the Health Department has set up medical camps in some locations, residents and organisations said the arrangements are inadequate as reports of waterborne diseases and infections have started emerging.

Tension also flared over alleged irregularities in relief distribution. AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal visited Bihubar and announced financial assistance of $2 million for flood victims, besides support for journalists. However, controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that substandard relief materials were being distributed in the name of relief.

Following public outrage, residents reportedly seized the disputed relief materials from a house in Ward No. 8 of Nazira town on July 24. One person identified as a journalist was allegedly assaulted before being handed over to the police. Nazira Police Station Officer-in-Charge Satyajit Bora later brought the situation under control.

Former MLA and former Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia condemned the alleged irregularities and called for transparent distribution of quality relief materials to ensure assistance reaches genuine flood victims.

With floodwaters receding slowly, residents say the immediate challenge is rehabilitation, restoration of basic services and timely relief for thousands of affected families.