Assam Ongoing Flood Crisis, the northeastern Indian state of Assam is on high alert as it prepares for more rainfall in the coming days, worsening an already dire flood situation. The floods, which have plagued the state for several days, have affected over 600,000 people and claimed at least 34 lives.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the critical nature of the next few days. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted additional rainfall for some districts, raising fears of further devastation. Assam, known for its extensive river network, suffers from severe flooding and widespread destruction during the monsoon season each year.
The current floods have wreaked havoc across Assam, displacing thousands and destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure. In 2022, similar floods displaced more than four million people and resulted in at least 45 deaths. The present situation has also affected parts of neighboring Bangladesh.
On Monday, the Assam Disaster Management Authority reported that rivers across the state had breached danger levels at multiple locations. The floods have impacted 19 of Assam’s 35 districts, forcing thousands to seek refuge in relief camps. The state is now experiencing what Mr. Sarma has described as a “second wave of flooding,” attributed to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, has also been affected. Floodwaters have inundated several areas of the park, prompting animals to move to higher ground.
In response to the crisis, state and national disaster relief teams are on standby to provide assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the Assam government of the federal government’s support in managing the situation.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of very heavy rainfall in Assam and the neighboring state of Meghalaya until Friday, signaling that the state may face even greater challenges in the days ahead.