Assam is grappling with severe flooding as over 2.3 lakh residents across 29 districts have been affected. The Central Water Commission (CWC) reports that several rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Burhidihing, Dikhou, Disang, Dhansiri, Kopili, and Kushiyara, are flowing above danger levels at various locations.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received an average rainfall of 11.8 mm on July 6, 2024. A watch for heavy rain has been issued for isolated places in Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Cachar, and Karimganj districts.
The impact of the floods has been devastating. Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reports that 29 districts have been affected, with 107 revenue circles and 3,535 villages inundated. The total affected population stands at 2,396,648, with 293 relief camps housing 53,429 inmates and 472,899 non-camp inmates seeking shelter elsewhere. Dhubri remains the worst-hit district with 797,918 people affected, followed by Cachar with 175,231, Darrang with 163,218, Barpeta with 131,246, and Golaghat with 109,470.
The floods have also impacted 1,549,161 animals, according to the official bulletin shared by ASDMA. Infrastructure damage includes 126 incidents of road damage, two incidents of bridge damage, one embankment breach, and six incidents of affected embankments.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also severely impacted. Sixty-six camps within the park are inundated up to five feet, with five camps vacated. Wildlife has suffered significantly, with 96 animals rescued but 120 reported dead, including 93 hog deer, 15 during treatment, and various others due to drowning or vehicle hits.
Urban flooding has been reported in several districts, including Dibrugarh, Karbi Anglong, and Kamrup (M). In Dibrugarh, areas such as Pani Tanki Galli, Loharpatty, Gandhi Nagar, Lachit Nagar, Behia Chetia, Chawlkhua, Kalibari, Ramnagar, Police Reserve, and Jail Road are heavily affected. In Guwahati, areas in Ward 48, including Rukminigaon Manasha Mandir Path, Sorumotoria, Gokul Path, Rupkuwar Path, and Nandan Path, are experiencing significant flooding.
The flood crisis has claimed 58 lives, including six reported on Saturday, with four being minors. Relief efforts are underway, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed in Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, Fire & Emergency Services, police forces, and AAPDA Mitra volunteers are actively assisting in flood and storm-affected areas.
The situation remains critical as authorities work tirelessly to provide relief and rescue operations. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories issued by the government. The administration is taking all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the floods and ensure the safety of the affected population.
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