Assam floods wreak havoc, death toll climbs to 34; over 2.62 lakh affected

The situation in Assam has worsened due to terrible floods, raising the toll to 34 including deaths of two children in Dhemaji district on Sunday. 

The water levels of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries swelled up last month in the northeastern state, affecting habitations and causing hardships to residents. 

According to the state disaster management authority (SMDA), “two children died after drowning in flood waters at Gogamukh and Jonai area in Dhemaji district on Sunday,” taking the death toll to 34.

The second wave of floods of the current monsoon season has caused heavy damage in several districts of the state.

About 12 roads were damaged in the flood-affected areas.

According to the state department’s data, vast areas of 411 villages in these 7 districts are submerged in floods. As many as 2.62 lakh people have been affected by the situation.

A total of twelve districts are affected due to the second wave of flooding, as per ASDMA. More than 4,000 hectares of agricultural land have also been damaged. The major parts of these affected agricultural lands are located in the Nagaon district.

Meanwhile, some 8,400 people are shifted to 71 shelters set up in the flood-affected areas. There are currently 62 shelters in Karimganj district where more than 8,000 people are taking shelter. About 48,900 livestock have also been affected across the flood-hit state. 

Heavy rains in recent days have caused the water level of rivers and tributaries to rise and swell up irreversibly. The flood waters of the Dibru River have hit several areas in Assam. 

The first battalion of NDRF is undertaking regular flood rescue operations in the state. It has been assisting the district and state administration in the flood-affected areas.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbanda Sonowal took stock of the worsening situation in the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency. 

In the coming days, the flood situation is likely to wreak havoc on the people of Assam, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rainfall in the area for the next five days. 

“Moderate rain is very likely to occur at most places over Assam. Thunderstorms and lightning is very likely to occur at isolated places,” said the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of IMD in its weekly weather forecast.

(With inputs from agencies)