Assam floods: 11, including 2 cops, killed in 24 hours
What's the story
The devastating Assam floods worsened on Sunday, with the deluge killing 11 more people, including three children and two cops, bringing the total toll to 73. While floods killed six people, landslides killed three more. The Cachar district accounted for all three landslide-related deaths. Floodwaters swept away two police officers, including an officer-in-charge and a constable, from Kampur Police Station in Assam's Nagaon district.
Context
Why does this story matter?
While floods are normal in Assam during the monsoon months, they arrived early this year and have been creating havoc since last month. Notably, the flood situation in Assam has been deteriorating over the past few days. Moreover, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts further precipitation in Assam and Meghalaya until Thursday and extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Fact
8 gone missing, death toll reaches 73
Moreover, at least eight people have gone missing. While four people went missing in Dibrugarh, one person each went missing in Cachar, Hojai, Tamulpur, and Udalguri, respectively. As of Sunday, the floods affected over 42L in Assam with the death toll touching 73. Cachar district reported three deaths, Barpeta district reported two deaths, and Bajali, Kamrup, Karimganj, and Udalguri districts each reported one death.
Assam Police
2 Assam cops swept away during rescue operation, bodies recovered
Two police officers were swept away in Assam's Nagaon district. According to the Assam Police, Sub-Inspector Samujjal Kakoti and Constable Rajiv Bordoloi were involved in rescue operations late on Sunday night when they were washed away in flood waters. Bordoloi's body was recovered, whereas Kakoti's whereabouts remained unknown initially. His remains were later recovered by the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on Monday morning.
Quote
We salute your courage and bravery: Assam Police DGP
"We salute your courage and bravery UB Constable Rajib Bordoloi of Nagaon... Your selfless act would be an inspiration to future generations of @assampolice. We bow our head in grief and gratitude," Assam Special DGP (Law and Order) GP Singh tweeted. "We salute your courage...Sub Inspector Samujjal Kakoti. You sacrificed your life without batting an eyelid... We bow our head... Om Shanti," Singh added.
Assam Floods
Barpeta remains worst-hit district
Devastating floods caused by incessant rain have continued to ravage Assam, with approximately 5,137 villages submerged. Barpeta is the worst-affected district, with over 12.76 lakh people affected, followed by Darrang, which has nearly 3.94 lakh people affected, while Nagaon has more than 3.64 lakh people affected. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the victims of the flooding say they have surrendered to God.
Statement
Villages near Brahmaputra submerged: District Development Commissioner
ACS-District Development Commissioner Udayaditya Gogoi reportedly stated, "Some villages situated at Brahmaputra river bank have submerged. The affected population is 2.41 lakhs, affected crop area is 5,174 hectares. We've opened 30 relief camps with continued rescue operations (sic)." Kaziranga National Park's anti-poaching camps were reportedly submerged in floodwater due to persistent rainfall while all the major rivers of Assam are flowing above danger marks.
NDRF
Indian Army, NDRF deployed in Assam
The Indian Army personnel, paramilitary forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the SDRF, Assam Police's Emergency and Fire Services, civil administration, and trained volunteers have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations. There are currently over 1.86 lakh people taking refuge in 744 relief camps. The flood-affected victims have been relocated to district administration relief camps or are residing on the highways.
Villagers
Villagers claim no relief provided by the government
"Our houses are under floodwater for the past three days and we have been staying on the highway. We haven't received any relief materials from the government," stated a flood victim in Kamrup's Rangia. "We've got only rice in the name of relief," stated another flood victim in the same district. We are somehow surviving...(by) catching fish in floodwaters," claimed another flood victim.
Fact
Over 1 lakh hectare of cropland submerged
Floodwaters have immersed 1,07,370.43 hectares of cropland, and the deluge has affected over 29.28 lakh domesticated animals and poultry across 25 districts in the state. The villagers, who lost everything in the flood, say that the district administration hasn't provided them with any relief materials. The majority of villagers are surviving on their remaining meager rations and by fishing in the flood waters.