Guwahati: Tea Association of India (TAI), Assam branch, has reported that the unprecedented flood situation has severely affected tea-growing areas in the Nazira sub-division of Sivasagar district following incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in the adjoining areas of Nagaland.The association stated that the sudden surge of water in rivers originating from Nagaland caused all major rivers to flow above the danger level. “The breach of the embankment on the Dorika river further aggravated the situation, leading to extensive inundation across the tea estates of the Nazira region,” it said.
Flooded tea garden factory
According to TAI, 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 families have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in factory buildings, managers’ bungalows and other elevated structures within the estates.“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 association said.“The Tea Association of India also acknowledges and sincerely appreciates the prompt response of the Sivasagar district administration, 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,” it said.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 association urged all concerned authorities to continue relief and rehabilitation efforts on priority so that normalcy can be restored at the earliest.
