The major rivers in the state, including the Brahmaputra, have surpassed the danger mark, resulting in extensive devastation to both human life and property.
24, June, 2024
The flood situation in Assam has significantly deteriorated, with more than five lakh individuals being affected and one death reported. The predicament is expected to worsen as the region is anticipated to receive heavier rainfall in the upcoming days.
During the past 24 hours, the floods escalated in several districts, with the number of affected individuals rising to 4.95 lakh by Thursday evening, a drastic increase from the previous count of 1.2 lakh on Wednesday evening. Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirmed the unfortunate occurrence of the first flood-related death this season in the Tamulpur area of Baksa district.
Regrettably, relief from the floods appears unlikely in the near future as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted substantial rainfall in the coming days, which may lead to further escalation of water levels. The ASDMA’s evening flood bulletin disclosed that the highest number of affected individuals, reaching 26 lakh, were concentrated in the Bajall sub-division of Barpeta district in lower Assam. The Central Water Commission bulletin indicated that the Puthimari River in Baksa district was experiencing extreme flooding. Within the last 24 hours, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other rescue teams have successfully evacuated 561 stranded individuals, while 58 medical teams have been deployed in the flood-affected regions.
According to a report from the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger level at Nematighat (Jorhat) and Dhubri. Additionally, other rivers like Puthimari (Kamrup), Paglagiya (Nalbari), and Manas (Barpeta) have also surpassed their respective danger marks.
The state government has been actively undertaking measures to provide relief and conduct rescue operations for the affected population. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued directives to all district administrations to swiftly deliver aid to those impacted by the floods. Relief camps have been established in various districts to offer shelter and sustenance to the affected individuals.
In order to facilitate rescue operations in the affected areas, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been deployed. The IAF remains on standby, prepared to offer assistance in emergency situations.
Due to the deluge, numerous people have been compelled to relocate to safer regions as floodwaters inundated their homes, and some makeshift dwellings were destroyed. The Pahumara river embankment suffered a breach, resulting in over 50 villages being submerged. Similarly, the Kaldia river overflowed due to incessant rain in the Bhutan hills. In Nalbari, the embankment of the Pagladia river was damaged, causing the flooding of several villages.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Friday, advising individuals to stay vigilant and stay updated on heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in certain parts of the state. Currently, more than 14,000 individuals are seeking refuge in 83 relief camps across seven districts, with an additional 79 centers distributing relief supplies.
Assam faces the recurrent challenge of flood situations each year, which inflict significant damage on both human life and the economy. The state’s primarily agrarian economy suffers greatly as crops are destroyed, resulting in a loss of income for farmers.
