Guwahati, July 26 -- A destructive wave of water rushed from the Naga Hills into the low-lying plains of Upper Assam in just 90 minutes. That single 24-hour event claimed 30 lives-nine in Nagaland's Mon district and 21 in Assam-taking the state's seasonal death toll to 41, according to official data. More than 5.6 lakh people have been affected, while between 19,200 and 24,210 hectares of agricultural land have suffered extensive damage. The floods have also threatened nearly 10 lakh livestock. The economic recovery required to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and repair public infrastructure is expected to take one to two years and could cost nearly Rs 1,000 crore.

In the immediate aftermath, local officials and sections of the media...