Assam Floods Claim More Lives as Heavy Rainfall Predicted
Rising Toll Amid Ongoing Flood Crisis
(With images) Guwahati, August 4 - The death toll in Assam due to flooding has tragically risen to 87, following the loss of two more lives. Officials reported on Tuesday that despite a decrease in water levels in many inundated areas, approximately 130,000 individuals remain affected by this natural disaster. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall with thunderstorms in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya over the next few days, which could impact several districts in Assam bordering these states.
Weather Alerts and Impact on Neighboring Districts
The weather office indicated that regions in Meghalaya, including East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills, along with districts in Arunachal Pradesh such as Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, East Siang, Lohit, and Changlang, are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall (Orange and Red Alert). This could have repercussions for neighboring districts in Assam. Additionally, a Yellow Alert has been issued for most parts of Nagaland, which may also affect the districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat in Assam.
Casualties and Ongoing Relief Efforts
According to a bulletin released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Monday night, two fatalities were reported in Sivasagar district over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of lives lost in this year's floods to 87. An ASDMA official noted that while heavy rainfall has been reported overnight in many upper districts of flood-affected Assam, the water levels in submerged villages are receding, providing some relief to residents. Currently, a total of 128,000 individuals across six districts are still affected by the floods, with Sivasagar being the hardest hit, affecting over 55,000 people.
Infrastructure Damage and River Levels
In Charaideo, around 35,000 individuals are impacted, while Jorhat has over 20,000 affected residents. The ASDMA bulletin also highlighted reports of damage to various infrastructures, including embankments, homes, roads, schools, and other public properties. Furthermore, it was noted that the Dhansiri River in Numaligarh is currently flowing above the danger mark.