Assam is facing a flood crisis with more than 6.71 lakh people affected across 20 districts. This second wave of flooding has hit major areas, with the Brahmaputra and other major rivers breaching danger levels.
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Over 6.71 lakh people affected in 20 districts. Major rivers including the Brahmaputra, are flowing above the danger level.
The Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger mark in several locations including Neamatighat (Jorhat), Tezpur (Sonitpur), Guwahati (Kamrup), and Dhubri.
Other rivers such as Subansiri, Burhidihing, Dikhou, Disang, Dhansiri, Jia-Bharali, Kopili, Puthimari, Beki, Dhaleswari, Kushiyara, and Barak have also breached danger levels.
Breaches of embankments in Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Majuli have been reported.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts like Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. The weather forecast predicts continued heavy rainfall for the next 2-3 days.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued 13 fishermen stranded on a sandbar in the flooded Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh district.
The rescue operation involved a Mi-17 IV helicopter navigating challenging weather conditions. IAF previously rescued 8 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and a revenue official from a similar situation in Dhemaji district.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) coordinated with the IAF for the rescue missions bearing the expenditure for airlifting.
Multiple agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and emergency services, police forces and AAPDA Mitra Volunteers are actively engaged in relief efforts.
The death toll due to floods, storms and landslides this year has risen to 46, with one fatality reported in the last 24 hours.
Over 8,000 people are taking shelter in 72 relief camps across various affected districts. In Kaziranga National Park, 95 out of 233 forest camps have been submerged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support to Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for relief operations. The Indian Army has been deployed for relief operations in Golaghat district.
At least eight rivers including the Brahmaputra, are flowing above danger levels. Many districts such as Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Cachar are severely affected with large areas submerged under water.
Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Cachar districts have reported the highest number of affected individuals. The Kaziranga National Park known for its one-horned rhinoceroses has also been in danger forcing wildlife to relocate to higher ground.
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Multiple agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), army and air force are actively involved in rescue operations.
Over 8,000 displaced individuals are currently sheltered in 72 relief camps across the state with additional relief distribution centers operational.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Assam and neighboring Meghalaya until Friday.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has acknowledged the critical nature of the situation and highlighted the influence of heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh as a contributing factor to the flooding in Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured the state of federal assistance in managing the crisis.
Assam experiences severe flooding almost every monsoon season. In 2022, similar floods displaced over four million people. The state’s vast network of rivers including the mighty Brahmaputra.
Prohibitory orders have been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to restrict vehicle movement on certain highways to prevent damage.
The speed limit for vehicles in affected areas has been reduced to between 20 to 40 km/hour to ensure safety.
The rising death toll, now at 45 includes not only those who have drowned in the floods but also victims of landslides and other flood-related accidents.
The Brahmaputra River has breached its highest flood level at several points including Nematighat in Jorhat district.
Other rivers such as the Subansiri, Dikhou and Burhidihing are also flowing above danger levels.
Rescue operations involve multiple agencies including the army, air force, and local disaster management teams.
These agencies are conducting airlifts, boat rescues and on-ground evacuations to make sure the safety of those trapped by rising waters.
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