Dibrugarh: Assam’s latest wave of floods has affected 24,460 animals, highlighting the severe impact of the disaster on rural livelihoods in addition to the widespread damage to homes, crops and infrastructure.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority’s (ASDMA) flood bulletin issued on August 2, the affected livestock includes 13,835 large animals, 9,754 small animals, and 871 poultry birds.
The figures underscore the growing challenges faced by farming communities, where livestock remains a key source of income, food security and agricultural sustenance.
Dhemaji is the worst-affected district, reporting 10,527 affected animals, including 6,310 large animals such as cattle and buffaloes, besides more than 4,000 goats, sheep and other small livestock.
Golaghat follows with 9,077 affected animals, while Jorhat has recorded 3,114. Sivasagar has reported 1,742 affected animals, including 851 poultry birds.
The flood has also forced many families to move their livestock to safer locations. According to the ASDMA report, relief distribution centres are currently sheltering or supporting 7,553 large animals, 6,984 small animals, and 8,800 poultry birds.
The state government has stepped up veterinary services in the affected districts to prevent disease outbreaks among stranded animals and ensure emergency healthcare support.
Officials said protecting livestock remains a priority as the animals are central to the livelihoods of thousands of rural households. The widespread impact on cattle, goats, sheep and poultry is expected to have long-term economic consequences for flood-hit farming communities.
As floodwaters gradually recede, the focus is shifting from immediate rescue efforts to rehabilitation, with restoring livestock-based livelihoods expected to be a key component of the recovery process.