Floods have killed at least 35 people and rendered more than 1.5 million people homeless in India's northeastern state of Assam, a state government spokesman said on Saturday.
Assam state government spokesman Manoj Deb said the swollen Brahmaputra river and its tributaries had also cut off the northeast from the rest of the country, with railway tracks and roads under water.
"So far 35 people are reported to have died in different parts of the state," Deb said.
"Floods have submerged the national highway and railway tracks at various places in the western districts of Kokrajhar and Nalbari snapping surface communication between the northeast and the rest of India," Deb added.
The seven northeastern states are linked to the rest of India through Assam.
"With both rail and road communication systems thrown out of gear in Assam, the whole region is completely cut off," said Deb. "At various places railway bridges have been damaged and tracks washed away."
An Indian Railways spokesman said repair work had started.
"But it will take time for trains to start plying as there has been extensive damage to railway tracks," said the railways spokesman.
According to the Assam flood control department at least 16 districts were submerged after floodwaters burst the banks of the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries at several places.
Over 3,500 villages have been inundated by the overflowing Brahmaputra River, which rose after heavy rains lashed the state for 48 hours.
"Thousands have set up temporary homes along the highway," a rescue worker said.
The waters undermined embankments and washed away bridges and telephone and electricity lines, disrupting communications across the state.
Flood control officials said police stations, government offices, schools and markets were still under water in many parts of the state.
Air force helicopters and army officials airdropped food to marooned people, a defense spokesman said -- GUWAHATI, India (AFP)
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