Flood Havoc in Assam: Death Toll Rises to 38, Over 11 Lakh People Affected

The flood situation in Assam has turned critical, with the death toll rising to 38 after three people drowned in floodwaters in the last 24 hours. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), two people died in Tinsukia district, while one died in Dhemaji district. The total number of affected people has mounted to over 11.34 lakh in 28 districts.

The affected districts include Kamrup, Tamulpur, Chirang, Morigaon, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Dibrugarh, Karimganj, Udalguri, Nagaon, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Hojai, Darrang, Charaideo, Nalbari, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Karbi Anglong, Goalpara, Dhemaji, Majuli, Tinsukia, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, and Cachar. Lakhimpur district has been the worst affected, with 165319 people affected, followed by Darrang district with 147143 people, and Golaghat district with 106480 people.

The floodwaters have submerged 42476.18 hectares of crop area, and 2208 villages under 84 revenue circles have been affected in the second wave of flood. The water level of the Brahmaputra River has been flowing above the danger level mark at Neamatighat, Tezpur, Guwahati, and Dhubri, while other rivers like Subansiri, Burhidihing, Dikhou, and Dhansiri have also been flowing above the danger level mark.

Why it Matters : The flood situation in Assam is a matter of grave concern, not only because of the loss of human life but also due to the massive displacement of people and damage to crops and infrastructure. The state government's efforts to provide relief and rescue operations are being hindered by the continuous rainfall and rising water levels. The situation is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of floods in the region.

The administration has set up 489 relief camps and distribution centers in flood-hit districts, where nearly 2.87 lakh people are taking shelter. Many flood-affected people have been taking shelter in safer places, high lands, school buildings, roads, and bridges after the floodwaters entered their houses. Rescue teams of local administration, Army, Paramilitary forces, SDRF, and Circle Office are engaged in rescue operations in many places and have rescued nearly 2900 people from different flood-affected areas.

The administration has distributed 10754.98 quintals of rice, 1958.89 quintals of dal, 554.91 quintals of salt, and 23061.44 liters of mustard oil among the flood-affected people and has also provided cattle feed. The ASDMA flood report stated that 832099 animals were also affected by the deluge.

On Tuesday, floodwaters damaged 74 roads, 6 bridges, and 14 embankments, and breached 5 embankments. The situation is being closely monitored by the state government, and efforts are being made to provide relief and rescue operations to the affected people.

Key Takeaways:

• The death toll in Assam floods has risen to 38, with over 11.34 lakh people affected in 28 districts.
• Lakhimpur district is the worst affected, with 165319 people affected, followed by Darrang and Golaghat districts.
• The floodwaters have submerged 42476.18 hectares of crop area, and 2208 villages under 84 revenue circles have been affected.
• The administration has set up 489 relief camps and distribution centers, where nearly 2.87 lakh people are taking shelter.
• Rescue teams have rescued nearly 2900 people from different flood-affected areas, and efforts are being made to provide relief and rescue operations to the affected people.