Assam Flood Crisis: Severe Flooding Devastates State, Claims 35 Lives

Guwahati, July 02, 2024: Assam is reeling under severe flooding, with the Brahmaputra River at Neamatighat surpassing its highest flood level. Major rivers, including the Brahmaputra at Tezpur, Subansiri at Badatighat, and Dikhou at Sivasagar, are also flowing above danger levels, according to the latest data from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

The catastrophic flooding has impacted 19 districts, including Kamrup, Golaghat, Majuli, and Karimganj. Additionally, 64 revenue circles and 1,275 villages are severely affected. The calamity has displaced a significant population, claiming 35 lives to date. In response, 136 relief camps and distribution centers have been established to provide essential supplies and medical assistance to the affected communities.

The Regional Meteorological Centre, IMD Guwahati, has issued warnings to state disaster management authorities and districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, as well as relevant national agencies. The forecast indicates extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 260 mm, in the next 24 hours. This poses a persistent flash flood threat in areas such as Changlang and Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh, and Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and East/West Khasi Hills in Assam and Meghalaya.

Authorities are on high alert, with continuous efforts to mitigate the impact and assist affected communities. Surface runoff and inundation are expected in fully saturated soils and low-lying areas across the affected region due to the anticipated rainfall.

The ASDMA and other state agencies are coordinating rescue and relief operations, ensuring that essential services and aid reach the flood victims promptly. The situation remains precarious, with the authorities urging residents to stay vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.

In these challenging times, the resilience and cooperation of the affected communities, coupled with the tireless efforts of disaster management teams, remain crucial in navigating this crisis. The state and national agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to deploy additional resources as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Assam.

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