Assam Floods Worsen: Over 6.44 Lakh Affected, Brahmaputra Breaches Danger Mark

At least eight rivers, including the Brahmaputra, were reported flowing above the danger mark, with the Brahmaputra breaching its highest flood level at Nematighat in Jorhat district.

Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, army, air force, and local administration, are actively engaged in rescue operations, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin confirmed.

The current flood has inundated several districts severely, with Kamrup, Golaghat, Majuli, Lakhimpur, Karimganj, Cachar, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Udalguri, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Darrang, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Biswanath, and Jorhat being the worst affected.

The death toll has risen to 45 due to this year’s floods, storms, and landslides, with one new casualty reported recently. Additionally, one person is reported missing.

Lakhimpur remains the worst-hit district, with 1,43,983 people affected by floodwaters, followed by Dhemaji (1,01,333) and Cachar (66,195), as per the bulletin.

Currently, 8,142 displaced individuals are taking shelter in 72 relief camps, with another 64 relief distribution centres providing assistance.

In rescue operations, nine persons were air-lifted by an air force helicopter in Dhemaji, while the army and paramilitary personnel are actively rescuing people in Tinsukia. A total of 1,293 people have been rescued using 64 boats, along with 1,952 animals from various affected districts.

Major rivers flowing above the danger level include Brahmaputra (Tezpur), Subansiri (Badatighat), Dikhou (Sivasagar), Disang (Nanglamuraghat), Burhidihing (Chenimari and Khowang), Jia-Bharali (Nt Road Crossing), Beki (Road Bridge), and Kushiyara (Karimganj), according to the bulletin.

The flood has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including embankments, roads, and bridges in various parts of the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the gravity of the situation, attributing the current floods to heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh’s catchment areas.

“The main cause of the current second wave of floods is the incessant and heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh,” he stated during a press conference in Guwahati.

He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured all necessary assistance to tackle the crisis.