Persistent rainfall continues to cause havoc in Assam as flood-affected districts increase to 10. According to the latest reports from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 37,000 people have been affected, and thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes. The affected areas include Biswanath, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, and Udalguri. The situation has also led to urban flooding in Kamrup Metro, Cachar, and Nalbari. The state administration is setting up shelter camps for those affected.
The excessive rainfall has led to substantial crop damage in the area, affecting more than 1,400 hectares of land. The damages will significantly impact farmers in the state. Erosion and infrastructural damages due to the floods have been reported in nine districts. Several bridges and homes have been destroyed following the severe floods. The continuous rainfall has also caused landslides resulting in the loss of one life in Guwahati. The incident occurred due to the sidewalls of a factory collapsing in Dhirenpara.
The Brahmaputra river and the Kopili river have been threatening to exceed the danger threshold, with Barak river inching towards it. The constant rain and rising river levels have resulted in numerous farmlands becoming submerged, and hundreds of animals have been stranded. The floods have reportedly affected over 11,000 animals so far.
The floods have significantly impacted two major cities in the state, Guwahati and Silchar. The cities cite poor drainage systems and a lack of upkeep as the leading cause of their predicament. And with the rainy season yet to come to an end, the threat of the floods worsening remains high.
Despite the state government’s efforts to control the flood and provide relief to those affected, the situation is yet to improve. It is essential for citizens to take necessary precautions and prepare for potential emergencies. The state government has requested that people remain alert and follow all necessary guidelines to stay safe.