NEADS Launches Multi-Sectoral Assessment to Guide Flood Recovery in Upper Assam

GUWAHATI, August 2, 2026 — As flood-hit communities across Upper Assam begin the long process of rebuilding their lives, the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) has launched a comprehensive Multi-Sectoral Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to identify priority needs for recovery, rehabilitation and long-term resilience.

The Jorhat-based humanitarian and development organisation is conducting the assessment in some of the worst-affected areas of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat districts. The exercise follows rapid needs assessments carried out during the emergency response phase and is intended to provide a clearer picture of the long-term impact of the floods.

NEADS said multidisciplinary teams are visiting affected villages and interacting directly with families to document losses, understand community priorities and identify the support required for recovery. The assessment covers housing and shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and nutrition, food security, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, livelihoods, education, protection, essential household assets, community infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.

The organisation is carrying out the exercise in collaboration with local organisations, community-based groups, volunteers, local authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure that even remote and difficult-to-access villages are included.

According to NEADS, special attention is being given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, small and marginal farmers, landless households, migrant workers and daily wage labourers, so that their needs are reflected in recovery planning.

NEADS Director Tirtha Prasad Saikia said the assessment is designed to move beyond immediate emergency relief.

"The emergency response helps communities survive. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment helps us understand what families have lost, what they need to recover and how recovery efforts can strengthen resilience against future disasters," he said.

The organisation said the assessment will also examine how the floods have affected household incomes, livelihoods, food security, access to essential services and community infrastructure, while identifying practical measures needed for safe and sustainable recovery.

The findings are expected to provide an evidence base for early recovery and rehabilitation planning, resource mobilisation and better coordination among government agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners. NEADS also hopes the assessment will support climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem-based restoration and community-led disaster risk reduction initiatives.

While continuing emergency relief operations, the organisation said it is now focusing on supporting the transition from immediate humanitarian assistance to long-term recovery and resilience.

NEADS said it remains committed to working with local communities, government agencies and development partners to ensure that recovery efforts are locally led, inclusive and based on the actual needs of flood-affected people.