Severe Flooding in Assam Affects Over 650,000 Residents

Ongoing Flood Crisis in Assam

The state of Assam is currently grappling with devastating floods, impacting eleven districts and affecting more than 650,000 individuals. In the last 24 hours alone, ten fatalities have been reported, and the meteorological department has issued warnings for more heavy rainfall in the coming days, leaving little hope for immediate relief.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the total number of flood-related deaths this year has now reached 41, following the recent casualties. The authority reported that three individuals lost their lives in both Sivasagar and Jorhat districts, while two died in Charaideo and one each in Karbi Anglong and Dhemaji.

Weather Alerts and Impacted Areas

On Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department issued an 'Orange Alert', urging residents to prepare for potential disasters. Additionally, a 'Yellow Alert' has been announced for the next four days, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall in certain areas.

The daily flood report from ASDMA indicates that over 653,100 people have been affected across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Hojai, Jorhat, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts.

Charaideo and Sivasagar Most Affected

Sivasagar is the hardest-hit area, with nearly 400,000 residents affected by the floods. In Charaideo, approximately 111,000 people are impacted, while over 97,000 individuals in Jorhat are also facing challenges due to the flooding. As of Tuesday, around 565,000 people across twelve districts were affected.

Reports indicate that 939 villages have been submerged, and 24,897.27 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage. The ASDMA has established 487 shelters and relief distribution centers across ten districts, currently assisting 24,418 individuals.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue efforts have been initiated by the army, NDRF, SDRF, fire and emergency services, police, and civil agencies, successfully evacuating over 8,500 people from Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, and Sivasagar. Rivers such as the Buridehing in Khowang, the Dikhow in Sivasagar, the Dhansiri in Numaligarh, and the Kushiyara in Sribhumi are flowing above danger levels. The ASDMA has reported that the Disang River in Nanglamuraghat is also above flood stage.

Review of Flood Situation by Chief Secretary

On Wednesday, Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota conducted a review of the flood situation in the state, directing all relevant departments to expedite relief and recovery efforts. An official statement highlighted the focus on the flood-affected districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat, assessing the preparedness of various departments to tackle the crisis.

The statement emphasized the need for swift action and better coordination among departments to alleviate the hardships faced by flood-affected individuals. The Chief Secretary also urged central agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Air Force to enhance their support in restoring essential services promptly.