Guwahati: The devastation caused by the recent floods continues to haunt Madhupur village in Assam’s Dhemaji district, where hundreds of residents remain displaced after the Dikhari River changed its course, destroying homes, farmland and public infrastructure.
Located under the Jonai Assembly constituency, the village witnessed extensive damage when the river, originating in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, carved a new channel through the settlement during the floods. The altered course effectively split Madhupur into two, leaving large areas buried under mud, sand and debris.
Residential houses, agricultural fields and a local school were among the worst affected. Vast stretches of cultivable land have been rendered unusable, dealing a severe blow to the predominantly agrarian community.
Residents said many families lost their homes, livestock and standing crops, leaving them without a stable source of income or shelter.
“We have lost everything. Our house, belongings and farmland have all been destroyed. We are now living in a temporary shelter built on raised bamboo platforms and surviving on the relief provided by the government,” a villager said.
Another resident said the Dikhari River had flowed on the opposite side of the village before the floods but altered its course, bringing the river dangerously close to residential areas.
“The river never flowed through this part of the village earlier. After changing its course, it swept away houses and cattle. Electricity has also remained disrupted as power poles and transmission lines were damaged,” the resident said.
Although floodwaters have receded, the humanitarian crisis persists. Many affected families continue to stay in makeshift shelters as restoration work progresses slowly. Villagers have urged the authorities to accelerate rehabilitation measures and provide adequate support to help them rebuild their lives.