Assam: Over 2 lakh affected as first wave of flood begins amid corona

The first wave of flood has begun in the state of Assam over incessant rainfalls with the onset of monsoon. This has already affected 7 major districts of the state: Lakhimpur, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Nalbari, Tinsukia.

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 229 villages are already impacted but things seem to go only worse with non-stop rainfall. So far, a total of 1,94,916 people are affected. This has increased from 30,000 people initially 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.

Most affected areas

Out of the almost 2 lakh people affected, the most are from Goalpara (1,68,196) 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. Inside Northeast spoke to a local in Darangiri, Goalpara who narrated about the alarming ground reality. "The water level is rising and if it continues for 1 hour, all the river water will reach the houses". As per reports, SDRF teams have already reached the site and rescue measures have begun.

Further high-risk zones due to flood

In Tinsukia, the Brahmaputra is rising in areas such as Guijaan, Natun Gaon, Laika.

In Baksa, along the India-Bhutan border, the water from the hilly area is increasing from the Motonga and Balti river.

Other big losses

So far there is a significant loss of animals with 11,104 big, 2354 medium, and 3005 poultry.

The total crop area affected so far is 1,007 hectares with Dhemaji hitting the highest with 425 hectares.

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

There are over 8,971 inmates spread over the relief camps.

As such, there are 35 relief camps opened so far at Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Goalpara, and Tinsukia and there are 8971 inmates in these camps. But, how will those function under corona is a bigger question?

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