Assam Floods: At Least 11 Dead and 26 Lakh Affected Across 28 Districts

The situation in Assam has aggravated with the level of Brahmputra River rising beyond the danger level after incessant rainfall continued on July 15. Due to floods and landslides triggered by the heavy rain, the death toll in the state has risen to 11 including five deaths on Sunday itself.

#AssamFloods |#UPDATE| Over 14 lakh people affected in 25 districts. pic.twitter.com/7whUogx858

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 13, 2019

Already the Brahmputra river was flowing above its danger mark in Guwahati, Tezpur, Goalpara, Dhubri, at Nimati ghat in Jorhat and at Badarpurghat in Karimganj on Sunday. Apart from the Brahmaputra, Burhidehing River is also flowing above its danger mark in several districts.

In the state, over 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps are submerged under water.

Due to the NH-37, near the Kaziranga National Park, being submerged underwater the communication between upper and lower Assam has been disrupted. Restrictions have been put on the entry of lightweight vehicles on the highway.

As floods ravage #Assam, hog deer undertake the dangerous journey across human habitats and the National Highway 37 in search of high land. #AssamFloods #Kaziranga pic.twitter.com/u0WL3ZWxVL

— Anupam Bordoloi (@asomputra) July 14, 2019

With Little Hope For Respite In Assam

Over 26 lakh people across 28 out of 33 districts in Assam have been affected due to floods. As many as 3,181 villages have been inundated as the water level in 11 rivers – including the Brahmaputra – have breached the danger level, according to a report by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

Of all the affected districts, Barpeta with 7.35 lakh affected people is the worst-hit town, followed by Morigaon with 3.50 lakh people affected and Dhubri with 3.38 lakh people affected.

“As per the Met department forecast, there will be more rainfall across Assam and the water level in the Brahmaputra is likely to rise,” said Kumar Sanjay Krishna, additional chief secretary (revenue and disaster management), at a press conference on Sunday. “Dhubri and other lower Assam districts will probably see more severe flood in coming days,” he added.

Nearly 17,000 Taking Refuge in Camps

Nearly 17,000 people are taking refuge in 327 relief camps and distribution centres in 24 districts. In a rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force, 7,833 people were rescued till Sunday.

Essential items including 10,840 litres of mustard oil, 7,922 quintals of rice, tarpaulin sheets, water pouches, biscuits, milk powder, dal, salt were distributed among flood-affected people in the state.

Also Read: Kerala Floods: Centre Approves Rs 2,500 Cr Fund; Asks State To Pay Rs 33 Cr For Rescue Ops By IAF