GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam took a severe turn on Monday, affecting almost 200,000 residents and claiming another life, according to the latest figures revealed by officials.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirmed the demise of an individual from Demow in Sivasagar district, elevating this year’s flood-related death toll to 15.
Presently, 17 districts of the state are grappling with the severe flood situation with Lakhimpur district being the hardest-hit with 47,338 inhabitants affected, closely followed by Dhemaji, which is housing an afflicted populace of 40,997.
The ASDMA reports informed that the Brahmaputra River has swelled past its danger mark in several locations, prompting the suspension of ferry services in Guwahati as well as at Nemati Ghat in Jorhat.
An alarming rise in water levels has also been reported for other significant rivers such as Beki, Jia-Bharali, Disang, Dikhou, and Subansiri, signalling intensified flood threats in their adjoining areas.
In an attempt to provide refuge to those displaced, two relief camps have been set up, currently hosting 427 flood victims. Meanwhile, 45 centres have been established for the streamlined distribution of relief materials. Both local administrative bodies and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working relentlessly to execute rescue missions in various flood-stricken regions, as per the ASDMA.
The agriculture sector, too, hasn’t been spared. The floodwaters have inundated over 8,000 hectares of agricultural land, jeopardising the livelihoods of many. Furthermore, a staggering count of over 130,000 animals, including a significant number of large livestock and poultry, have been affected.
Infrastructure throughout the state too has borne the brunt of the flooding. Multiple embankments have been breached in areas such as Udalguri, Biswanath, and Darrang, causing further water ingress into residential zones. The deluge has also wreaked havoc on roads, bridges, schools, and power installations. Erosions, a perilous side effect of the flood, have been reported in multiple districts, including Barpeta, Biswanath, and Lakhimpur, among others.
With an escalating crisis on hand, the state and its administrative bodies are on high alert, coordinating efforts to manage the flood aftermath and provide timely assistance to the affected people.
