Assam Flood Crisis Deepens: 21 Killed in 24 Hours, Over 5.6 Lakh Affected As Brahmaputra Swell

Dispur: The flood situation in Assam is worsening. Rivers in several districts of the state have severely affected normal life. About 21 people have been reported dead in flood-related incidents in the last 24 hours, with the highest number of deaths occurring in Sivasagar district at 13. Over 5.64 lakh people in 16 districts of the state are affected by the floods, while 872 villages have been completely submerged. Thousands of families have been forced to take shelter in relief camps. The administration, NDRF, and SDRF teams are carrying out rescue and relief operations, but the rising water level has further increased concerns.

Which districts are affected?

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, floods are affecting many parts of the state. Several districts, including Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Golaghat, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Biswanath, Kamrup, and Karbi Anglong, have been affected. Normal life has been disrupted as floodwaters entered villages and farmlands. Road connectivity has also been affected in many areas.

How many people died?

In the past 24 hours, 21 people have died in floods and related incidents. Of these, 13 deaths occurred in Sivasagar district alone. The administration is working to provide relief to the affected families. As the death toll rises, the state government is becoming increasingly concerned.

The floods have had the greatest impact on rural areas. Across the state, 872 villages have been submerged. Furthermore, more than 24,000 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged. Paddy and other crops have suffered significant damage, increasing the concerns of farmers.

What about relief operation?

Amid the severe flood situation in Assam, the Indian Army has launched "Operation Jal Rahat III" at the request of the state administration. The Army has deployed three special flood relief teams to assist in relief and rescue operations in Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Charaideo districts. The Army stated that rescue operations are ongoing and additional resources will be deployed immediately if needed. 

According to the Central Water Commission, the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger mark in the Nimatighat area near Jorhat. The Dikhow, Disang, Buridihing, and Dhansiri rivers are also flowing at high water levels. The Dikhow and Disang rivers have reached close to their highest flood levels, increasing the risk to downstream areas.

Relief and rescue operations have been intensified in flood-affected areas. Several NDRF teams have been deployed in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts. SDRF teams, with 62 boats, are working to evacuate people to safety in various districts. Thousands of people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas so far.

The administration has set up relief camps in the affected areas. A large number of displaced people are living in these camps, where food, drinking water, and health facilities are being provided. However, given the continuous rainfall and rising water levels, the administration fears that the situation may become more challenging in the coming days.