Flood situation deteriorates in Assam; death toll rises to 4
Flood situation deteriorates in Assam; death toll rises to 46 in Northeast
The overall flood situation in Assam deteriorated even as the decline in the intensity of the rain, the situation of improved in other northeastern states
GUWAHATI — The overall flood situation in Assam deteriorated on Wednesday
even as the decline in the intensity of the rain, the situation of improved in
other northeastern states, an official said. With two more fresh deaths in
Assam, the death toll in seven states, excluding Sikkim, of the region
increased to 46.
As per the data provided by the officials of different
northeastern states, out of 46 deaths during the current spell of rain and
floods since May 29, at least 19 people were killed in Assam, followed by 12 in
Arunachal Pradesh, six in Meghalaya, five in Mizoram, two in Tripura and one
each in Nagaland and Manipur.
According to the disaster management officials of the
seven northeastern states, excluding Sikkim, the deaths occurred due to
drowning, landslides, waterlogging and other calamity-related mishaps.
In Assam, according to the report of the Assam State
Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 6.79 lakh people were affected by
the floods and rains in 21 districts.
As per the ASDMA report, over 14,977 hectares of crop
lands were affected in 1,494 villages in 21 districts.
The mighty Brahmaputra river and eight other rivers --
Burhidihing, Kopili, Barak, Sonai, Rukni, Dhaleswari, Katakhal, Kushiyara are
flowing above the danger level at several places in Assam.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the flood situation continued to
remain grim on Wednesday with incessant rain causing fresh landslides and
submerging of fresh areas in different parts of the state affecting over 3,000
people in 23 districts.
Though there were no fresh deaths in the northeastern
state on Tuesday and Wednesday, so far, least 12 people including women and
children have lost their lives due to landslides and floods triggered by
monsoon rain since last week in five districts -- East Kameng, Lower Subansiri,
Longding, Lohit and Anjaw.
As per the report of the State Emergency Operation Centre
(SEOC) fresh landslides were reported in Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts and
along the Likabali-Aalo highway near Magi and Siji, disrupting vehicular
movement. Over 3,000 people have been affected by the rain triggered floods and
landslides across Arunachal Pradesh, the SEOC report said.
Out of Arunachal Pradesh’s 26 districts, Changlang is the
worst-affected, with six villages inundated and 2,231 people rendered homeless.
Popular tourist spots such as Zupra and River Cafe near the Noa-Dehing river in
Changland have been submerged by floodwater.
Altogether, 212 houses were damaged across the state, and
425 livestock deaths were reported, including 335 poultry and 95 animals.
Additionally, floods and landslides damaged around 17
hectares of farmland and 20 hectares of horticulture plantations. In Manipur,
in the wake of devastating floods affecting several areas of the Imphal Valley,
the Assam Rifles has once again demonstrated its deep commitment to
humanitarian service and disaster response.
A Defence spokesperson said that a column of Assam Rifles
on Wednesday carried out a critical relief operation in Thambalkhong Leirak,
Wangkhei, where they distributed 350 litres of potable drinking water and 5,000
litres of general use water to flood affected residents.
The timely intervention was met with heartfelt gratitude
from the local community, who had been struggling for access to clean water in
the aftermath of the deluge.
Simultaneously, another relief effort was conducted at
Khumidok village in Imphal East. Assam Rifles personnel not only rescued
stranded civilians but also established a medical aid camp and carried out
defogging operations to mitigate health hazards caused by stagnant water.
Their rapid response helped prevent further deterioration
of living conditions and safeguarded the health of the community. Residents of
Khumidok expressed deep appreciation for the compassion and professionalism
shown by the Assam Rifles, acknowledging their vital role in saving lives and
restoring hope during a time of crisis, the spokesman said.
The overall flood situations improved in Tripura,
Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland.
The flood situation in Assam deteriorated further on
Wednesday, with two more fatalities reported, taking the cumulative death toll
from this year's floods and landslides to 19.
According to the latest bulletin from the Assam State
Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 6.8 lakh people across 21
districts are now reeling under the deluge.
Nine major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are
currently flowing above the danger mark at multiple locations across the state.
The India Meteorological Department’s Regional
Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has forecast heavy to very heavy
rainfall in isolated pockets, compounding concerns of further flooding.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds
reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are also expected in districts such as Dhubri,
South Salmara-Mankachar, Goalpara, and Kokrajhar. The two most recent deaths
were reported from Nagaon and Cachar districts, with one person still missing
in Cachar.
The number of affected people surged from 6.5 lakh on
Tuesday to 6,79,423 on Wednesday, impacting 66 revenue circles and 1,494
villages. Sribhumi remains the worst-affected district, with over 2.59 lakh
residents hit, followed by Hailakandi (1.72 lakh) and Nagaon (1.02 lakh).
Over 41,000 people have been forced to seek refuge in 190
relief camps, while 215 relief distribution centres are operational across the
state. Floodwaters have submerged nearly 15,000 hectares of cropland, severely
affecting agricultural activities.
The ASDMA bulletin also highlighted extensive damage to
roads, bridges, educational institutions, Anganwadi centres, and power
infrastructure.
Urban flooding continues to affect two districts,
impacting over 1,000 residents. Train services in southern Assam, particularly
in Silchar, have also taken a hit.
A spokesperson for Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
confirmed disruptions due to rising water levels on tracks and waterlogging at
key maintenance areas. Road and ferry connectivity also remain affected in
several regions as the state grapples with worsening flood conditions.
