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For many, the roadside has become an improvised shelter.

Guwahati, July 30: In the aftermath of severe flooding that struck Upper Assam ten days ago, numerous families in Joysagar are still grappling with the aftermath. Floodwaters have not receded sufficiently, forcing many to seek refuge along the roads with their livestock and salvaged belongings.

Roadside living has become a reality for many, with tarpaulin sheets, bamboo poles, and makeshift kitchens lining the streets as families await the waters to recede.

Children can be seen playing next to cattle tethered in the open, while the uncertainty of returning to normal life looms over every discussion.

Rajibur Rahman, a resident affected by the floods, shared, "No one is at home; everyone is staying on the roadside."

He added, "We were informed by the Gaon Burha and the ward member that relief would be provided by the government. We received 10 kg of rice along with pulses and oil yesterday, and today we got an additional 2 to 2.5 kg of rice. Thankfully, people from various parts of the country have also come to our aid."

Despite some relief reaching families, daily survival remains a challenge.

"A significant issue is the lack of toilets, particularly for women. If the government could supply portable toilets, it would greatly improve our situation," Rahman expressed.

The crisis has been further complicated for livestock owners.

"We have yet to receive any fodder for our cattle. Only once did a vehicle come to distribute some straw. However, some kind-hearted individuals have brought food for our dogs," he noted.

For those living in rented homes, accessing relief has proven to be an additional hurdle.

Disha Kalita, a young resident, claimed that tenants are frequently overlooked during relief distribution.

"Some people assist us, but others turn us away. They are reluctant to provide relief to those in rented accommodations," she stated.

Another resident voiced similar concerns, stating that not all those in need receive the necessary aid.

"We are suffering just like everyone else. However, many locals receive relief supplies and claim they are from relatives. The aid is intended for everyone, but we don’t always get our fair share," the resident lamented.

Although floodwaters have receded in several areas of Upper Assam, many families in Joysagar are still unable to return to their homes.

Numerous houses remain submerged or buried under thick mud and silt, leaving residents with no choice but to continue living in temporary roadside shelters.

Their struggles may persist, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, in isolated areas of Assam and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland over the next three days, raising concerns about potential new flooding in vulnerable regions.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the floods have claimed 78 lives so far, with over three lakh individuals across the state still affected.

For the families in Joysagar, the crisis is far from over. As floodwaters linger in many areas, they remain stranded by the roadside, hoping for the day they can finally return home.