in Ariful Islam/Guwahati

As devastating floods continue to ravage large parts of Upper Assam, thousands of families have been left homeless after losing their houses, farmland, livestock and livelihoods. While the official death toll stands at 68, unofficial estimates suggest that the number of lives lost may have crossed 500.

The heartbreaking images emerging from the flood-ravaged districts are enough to leave anyone in tears.

Deeply shaken by the unfolding humanitarian crisis, acclaimed Hollywood actor Adil Hussain, an Assamese by birth, has expressed anguish, frustration and helplessness over the state's recurring flood disaster.

The actor's own family has not been spared. Sharing his anguish on social media, Adil revealed that his ancestral home and relatives in Assam have been severely affected by the floods.

Recalling that Assam has witnessed similar devastation every monsoon for as long as he can remember, Adil lamented that despite decades of suffering, the authorities have yet to find an effective and lasting solution to the flood problem.

Speaking to the media, he said, "My eldest sister, my niece and her husband live in Sivasagar in Upper Assam. Their house has been submerged in the devastating floods. I am trying to find ways to help them, and the situation is extremely alarming."

Adil also revealed that he has been in constant touch with renowned singer Papon, who has been actively supporting flood-affected people across Assam.

"I have been witnessing such devastating floods every year since my childhood, and this year's situation is even worse," Adil said. "I feel deeply disappointed, angry, heartbroken and emotionally shattered because floods have remained a recurring problem, yet since my childhood I have not seen the authorities succeed in bringing the situation under control."

Blaming years of unplanned urbanisation and environmental degradation, Adil said, "Cities and towns have expanded without proper planning. Wetlands have been filled up for industries, forests have been destroyed, and no serious effort has been made to find long-term solutions that can reduce the suffering of people living in flood-prone areas. Assam urgently needs a comprehensive and scientific flood management plan."

Volunteers of Markazul Maarif distributing relief to the flood affected people

Meanwhile, singer Papon shared an emotional video message on social media, urging people across India and around the world to extend support to Assam during this unprecedented crisis.

"I want everyone to know what is happening in Assam at this moment and the scale of devastation caused by this year's floods," Papon said.

He added, "Assam receives heavy rainfall and experiences floods almost every year, but this year's devastation is beyond imagination. Entire villages have gone underwater, thousands remain homeless, hundreds of people are still missing, many have lost their lives, and countless animals have perished. The situation is extremely serious. Please help spread this message. I appeal to people across India and the world to look towards Assam. This is about humanity. We must all stand together. We are doing everything we can here. If you wish to help, please come forward."

As the disaster unfolds, inspiring stories of compassion have emerged from across Assam. Several voluntary organisations, business establishments, gurdwaras, mosques and madrasas have stepped forward to provide relief, demonstrating that humanity transcends religious boundaries.

In a rare and heartwarming gesture, the Chontok Bor Mosque in Sivasagar district has opened its doors to flood-affected women seeking shelter. Traditionally, women are rarely accommodated inside mosque premises, but the mosque made an exception in view of the extraordinary humanitarian emergency.

Equally inspiring is the initiative undertaken by the Amolapatti Purana Mosque Committee in Nazira, one of the worst flood-hit areas. For the past week, the committee has been preparing and serving meals round the clock for flood victims. Every day, it has been providing two meals to Hindu families from several neighbouring flood-affected villages as well.

Initially, food was served from within the mosque premises with the help of appointed cooks. However, respecting the convenience and sentiments of the Hindu beneficiaries, the committee later shifted the community kitchen to a nearby house.

The humanitarian initiative has been sustained through the tireless efforts of members of the Jamaat, local youths and generous public contributions. Besides providing food, the mosque committee has also distributed new clothes and school uniforms free of cost to flood-affected families and children.

Through these noble initiatives, the Nazira Mosque Committee and members of the Jamaat have not only provided critical relief to people in distress but have also strengthened communal harmony by fostering mutual trust, unity and goodwill between Hindus and Muslims during one of Assam's darkest hours.

Another remarkable example of compassion has come from the Darul Hadith Purba Barkhetri Alia Madrasa at Loharkatha in Nalbari district. The madrasa organised a special relief campaign for flood victims in Upper Assam. Donations were first collected from students and teachers before the students reached out to local residents for further contributions. They also offered special prayers to Allah, seeking protection and relief for the people of Assam affected by the catastrophic floods.

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According to official figures, 68 people have lost their lives in this year's floods, while more than 524,000 people across five districts have been affected. The worst-hit districts include Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Sivasagar. Embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure have suffered extensive damage. Although water levels have begun to recede in several places over the past few days, the humanitarian crisis continues, and rebuilding thousands of shattered lives will remain an enormous challenge in the months ahead.