Assam Floods: Over 3 lakh people affected as situation worsens amid heavy rainfall

The "season of annual" Assam floods has begun in the over incessant rainfalls with the onset of monsoon. This has already affected 11 major districts of the state: Lakhimpur, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Nalbari, Tinsukia, West Karbi Anglong, Barpeta, Hojai, Nagaon.

The rivers above Jia Bharali at NH Road (Sonitpur), Puthimari at NH Road Crossing (Kamrup), and Neamatighat (Jorhat) are flowing above the danger level. This will further worsen as uninterrupted rainfall continues.

A total of 321 villages are already impacted but things seem to go only worse with non-stop rainfall. So far, a total of 2,71,655 people are affected. This has increased from 30,000 people initially on the first day to 1,94,916 put out by the previous data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). This demonstrates the intensity as to which the floodwaters are increasing.

Out of 321 villages

Lamkhimpur - 03
Dhemaji - 18
Dibrugarh - 6 (chabua)
Darrang - 23
Goalpara - 172
Nalbari - 26
Tinsukia - 19
Barpeta - 2
Nagaon - 21
Hojai - 9

Most affected areas

Out of the almost 3 lakh people affected, the most are from Goalpara (2,15,476) with Balijana and Lakipur facing the maximum brunt. Another dynamic of the problem in Goalpara has been the water from the Garo Hills, Meghalaya flowing down to the villages. Apart from the submerged areas of Balijana and Lakipur, there are other places that risk getting affected from flood.

Further high-risk zones due to flood

In lower Majuli district at Silakola Gaon Panchayat Water Board Switch Gate blown away by Subansiri

In Jorhat District, Teok Rajoh Chokkor Jajimukh, the Brahmaputra level is increasing. This has affected Jajimukh village, Bormothauri, Hagunpara, and at least 10/12 villages more

The river flowing from the Bhutan hill has risen and Tamulpur-Amayapur-Musolpur bridge and culvert has been broken

The Brahmaputra level has risen in Tinsukia, Guijaan, Natun Gaon, Laika, many others

In Boko constituency - Dakuapara, Raipara villages, water is flowing down from Meghalaya causing floods.

Also read: Assam: 60 new COVID-19 cases together, state tally nears 800

Other big losses

So far there is a significant loss of animals with 28,253 big, 16,078 medium, and 9350 poultry.

The total crop area affected so far is 2,678 hectares with Nagaon hitting the highest with 1050 hectares.

Along with floods, there are instances of erosion in Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Nalbari which has led to loss of infrastructure.

There are over 16,720 inmates spread over the relief camps.

As such, there are 57 relief camps opened so far at Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Goalpara, and Tinsukia and there are 16,720 inmates in these camps. But, how will those function under corona is a bigger question?

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