NEW DELHI, June 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 26 people were killed in floods in India's northeastern state of Assam, officials said Wednesday.

"A total of 26 people have lost their lives so far in the recent wave of floods in Assam," an official said. "Thousands of people in 144 villages remained affected by the ongoing floods."

According to officials several areas in seven districts -- Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Charaideo, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj -- lie submerged by the deluge.

Local media reports, however, put the death toll in floods at 31.

Karimganj is the worst-affected district, followed by Hailakandi.

The flood waters have damaged roads, embankments and other infrastructure in Biswanath and Karimganj districts. Reports said the floodwaters have affected 457 hectares of cropland.

The Indian government has released a huge relief package for the state, a junior minister said.

According to Meteorological department officials heavy to very heavy showers are likely to hit the isolated places of the northeast from Thursday to Sunday.

Floods are an annual occurrence in Assam during the monsoon season.