In a distressing turn of events, Assam continues to grapple with the aftermath of severe floods that have wreaked havoc in the state. Despite some improvement in the overall flood situation, nearly 2.72 lakh people across 15 districts are still grappling with the devastating consequences. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 874 villages spanning 37 revenue circles in various districts, including Bajali, Baksa, Barpeta, Darrang, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, and Tamulpur, are currently submerged.
Barpeta district has borne the brunt of the floods, with a staggering 1.70 lakh people affected. Additionally, Bajali, Lakhimpur, and Nalbari districts have reported 60,707, 22,060, and 10,351 affected individuals respectively. The deluge has resulted in the submergence of approximately 5,936.63 hectares of cropland in the affected districts, posing a severe threat to the livelihoods of farmers.
Relief Efforts Underway as Thousands Seek Shelter
To provide assistance to those affected, the district administration has established 61 relief camps and 104 relief distribution centers across the flood-hit areas. Currently, 43,064 people are seeking shelter in these relief camps, hoping for respite from the catastrophic situation. Tragically, in the past 24 hours, the floodwaters have washed away 222 animals in the Nalbari district and caused significant damage to 1,290 houses in Nalbari and Tamulpur districts. The floods have also led to the breach of three embankments, damaging seven others, as well as 50 roads, three bridges, and critical infrastructure such as Anganwadi centers, agri bundhs, culverts, and irrigation canals.
Barpeta District Continues to Face Grim Reality
While the overall flood situation in Assam has shown some signs of improvement, the situation in Barpeta district remains dire. Approximately 1.70 lakh people in 167 villages across the lower Assam district continue to suffer from the devastating impact of the floods. Specifically, the Sarthebari revenue circle in Barpeta district has been severely affected, with 1.20 lakh people bearing the brunt of the disaster. The Barpeta revenue circle, Chenga revenue circle, and Baghbar revenue circle have also reported significant numbers of affected individuals.
In Barpeta district alone, 382.75 hectares of cropland remain submerged, further exacerbating the plight of farmers. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the district administration has established 59 relief camps and 53 relief distribution centers in an attempt to provide aid and support to the affected population. Additionally, the floods have taken a toll on domestic animals, affecting approximately 1.05 lakh livestock in Barpeta district.
Relief Measures and Rescue Operations in Progress
In response to the catastrophic floods, the district administration has undertaken extensive relief measures. They have distributed essential supplies to the affected population, including 1,477.77 quintals of rice, 248.27 quintals of dal, 74.09 quintals of salt, and 7,478.88 liters of mustard oil. Moreover, 1,646.20 quintals of cattle feed have been distributed to assist farmers in managing their livestock.
Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Fire and Emergency Services personnel. These teams are working tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals and provide assistance to those in need. The NDRF has deployed ten teams, each comprising 35-40 rescuers, who have already rescued more than 120 people and relocated them to safer areas.
Assistance from Central Government and Continued Vigilance
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, assuring him of all possible help to deal with the flood situation. The central government has pledged its support to assist in relief and rescue efforts. Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude for the proactive response and concern, emphasizing that the Assam Government remains on high alert and is committed to providing assistance to those affected by the floods.
Despite some improvement, the flood situation in Assam remains a matter of concern. The number of affected people has decreased to around 2.71 lakh in 14 districts, including two sub-divisions. The death toll stands at three, with no reported deaths in the past 24 hours. The state government, along with central agencies, will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this natural disaster.
