HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 21: The flood crisis in Assam has escalated with torrential overnight rains affecting over 1,19,830 people across 20 districts and sub-divisions, as reported by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
As the situation deteriorates, the Bhutan Government and the India Meteorological Department have issued alarming forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, raising concerns of further rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
The Royal Government of Bhutan issued a weather advisory, warning of cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas over the next few days, posing an imminent risk of increased water levels.
The ongoing rainfall in both Bhutan and Assam, coupled with water release from the Kurichhu Dam in Bhutan, has already resulted in surging water levels and flooding in western Assam.
Issuing a ‘Red Alert,’ the India Meteorological Department predicts substantial rainfall across several districts of Assam in the coming days. A 24-hour ‘Red Alert’ was announced on Tuesday, followed by an ‘Orange Alert’ on Wednesday and a ‘Yellow Alert’ on Thursday. The ‘Red Alert’ signifies an urgent need for action, while the ‘Orange Alert’ indicates preparedness, and the ‘Yellow Alert’ advises vigilance.
The ASDMA’s daily flood report highlights the severity of the situation in districts such as Bajali, Baksa, Barpeta, Biswanath, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Hojai, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, and Udalguri. Nalbari bears the brunt, with over 44,700 affected individuals, followed by 26,571 in Baksa and 25,096 in Lakhimpur.
A total of 1,07,479 animals have also been affected by the deluge across the state.
In response, authorities have established fourteen relief camps in Kokrajhar, Baksa, Dhubri, Nalbari, and Tamulpur districts, providing shelter to approximately 2,091 people.
Additionally, seventeen relief distribution centres have been set up in five districts to offer essential aid to those affected.
The flood’s devastating impact on agriculture is evident, with an estimated 10,591.85 hectares of crop areas damaged across Assam. Erosion has wreaked havoc in Baksa, Biswanath, Dhubri, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur, South Salmara, Tamulpur, and Udalguri districts.
Further compounding the distress, regions like Dima Hasao and Kamrup Metropolitan have witnessed landslides triggered by the relentless downpour. Breached embankments, damaged roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure afflict Bajali, Biswanath, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Tamulpur, Udalguri, Baksa, Dhemaji, and Majuli.
Urban areas have not been spared, with extensive flooding reported in Bajali, Darrang, Kamrup Metropolitan, Kokrajhar, and Nalbari districts. The surging water levels in rivers like Beki, Pagladiya, and Puthimari have surpassed the danger mark, posing a significant threat to adjacent regions.
Amidst this challenging scenario, relief efforts are underway to provide assistance and support to the affected population. Authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring the evolving flood situation while prioritising the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
