<p>As climate change intensifies, communities are often forced to choose between staying in place and migrating, with decisions shaped more by necessity than preference. In Dhemaji, situated in the state of Assam in India, a region marked by climate-induced flooding, poverty, and limited livelihood opportunities, migration frequently becomes a vital coping strategy. However, its effectiveness as an adaptation mechanism remains uncertain. This study explores how environmental and socio-economic factors drive migration patterns and influence adaptive capacities in this flood-prone region, examining whether migration strengthens adaptive capacity or merely redistributes vulnerability among affected families. Through an interpretive approach involving household surveys and in-depth interviews with migrants and their families, the study uncovers a dual-edged impact of migration. While it fosters economic diversification and climate-resilient livelihoods, it also imposes significant emotional and social costs. Families left behind face loneliness, disrupted family dynamics, and increased responsibilities on women and the elderly, especially during emergencies. Meanwhile, migrants endure isolation, guilt from prolonged separation, and precarious urban working conditions often characterized by exploitation and insecurity. The study highlights the need to address the challenges associated with migration driven by environmental and socio-economic pressures.&#xa0;These efforts should aim to address the risks linked to climate-induced migration by long-term planning, focussing on initiatives like skill development and sustainable employment opportunities to address the root causes of climate-induced migration.</p>