More than 3.5 million people affected as flood situation continues to deteriorate in Assam, India

Flood situation continues to deteriorate in Assam, India, with five more fatalities reported as of Thursday, July 16, 2020. More than 3.5 million people in 27 districts have been affected, and a total of 97 people lost their lives this year due to rain-related incidents.

According to the daily bulletin of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued Thursday, two fatalities were reported in Morigaon District, and one each in Lakhimpur, Barpeta, and Goalpara.

71 people died due to flooding while 26 were killed in landslides, bringing the state's death toll to 97 this year. Massive landslides and erosions have been reported at various places of Bongaigaon and Udalguri, ASDMA added.

More than 3.5 million people have been affected in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong

The worst-hit was Dhubri with more than 872 000 people affected, followed by Barpeta with 478 000, and Goalpara with 428 000.

Rescue teams, along with local volunteers, rescued 2 737 people on Thursday. 113 boats were also deployed across the state for emergency operations.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited and assessed the inundated areas of Kaziranga National Park and took stock of the animals. According to ASDMA, 105 out of 223 camps at the national park have been hit by the deluge. 

Floodwaters have so far left 76 animals dead, while 121 others have been rescued.

In view of many animals crossing over to the hills of Karbi Anglong, Sonowal ordered the administration to take all necessary actions to protect them and return them safely once the flood subsides.

All relief efforts were being exerted to assist the flood-affected families. Social distancing norms have also been imposed at relief camps to prevent COVID-19 infection.

As of Thursday, 3 218 villages were underwater and around 132 000 ha (326 000 acres) of crops have been ravaged across the state.

Authorities are monitoring 748 relief camps and distribution centers across 24 districts, where 49 313 people are taking refuge.

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in the region until July 20.

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