Assam Floods: Situation Remains Grims, Water Level Recedes

The flood situation in Assam continues to be serious as of July 13, despite some relief with water levels beginning to recede in various regions.

The India Meteorological Department's Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has forecasted moderate rainfall across most of Assam, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain expected in Kokrajhar district.

The RMC has issued a warning,

“Low to moderate flash flood risk is likely over a few watersheds and neighbourhoods of Arunachal Pradesh and southern parts of Assam and Meghalaya.”

However, a senior official of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said,

“Flood water is receding in many parts of the State. As the rain has stopped in most areas, the condition is likely to improve further.”

Floods Devastates Assam

Seven more people have died, according to a report released on July 12 by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). There have been 106 deaths as a result of the floods, landslides, storms, and lightning this year. 23 districts are home to over 1.23 million people who are struggling with the flooding.

The district most affected is Dhubri, where over 318,000 people are impacted. Nearly 150,000 people live in Cachar, while over 95,000 people are stranded in Golaghat due to flooding.

According to ASDMA, 32,924.32 hectares of crops have been damaged throughout Assam, and 2,406 villages are currently under water. The floodwaters have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in many districts.

Because of the abundant rainfall this year, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries have swollen and are currently flowing above the danger line in Nimatighat, Tezpur, and Dhubri. Disang at Nanglamuraghat and Burhidihing at Chenimari, two of its tributaries, are likewise above the danger line. Furthermore, the Kushiyara tributary of the Barak river is flowing above the danger line in Karimganj town.

The floods have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with thousands seeking refuge in relief camps.

Assam Authorities Response

The Assam government, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), has been actively engaged in rescue and relief operations:

Over 500 relief camps have been set up by the state's disaster management authorities to offer food, shelter, and medical care to the displaced.
Currently, 2,95,651 displaced people are being cared for by the administration through the operation of 316 relief camps and relief distribution centers spread across 18 districts.
Over the past 24 hours, the State government has provided flood victims in the State with 3,621.01 quintals of rice, 666.3 quintals of dal, 6,266.61 quintals of salt, and 11,446.82 liters of mustard oil.
In order to guarantee that relief supplies reach those in need, helicopters and boats have been sent to inaccessible and distant locations.

Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming scope of the disaster, many camps are overcrowded and lack proper facilities. The affected population's basic needs, such as access to clean drinking water, sanitary conditions, and medical care, are being met with difficulty by the authorities.

As Assam struggles with one of its worst flood seasons in recent memory, the situation still remains dire.

_{(Inputs from Agencies)}