Assam floods: Lakhs affected, over 60 dead, relief unlikely soon

Floods between the months of May and August are common in the Northeastern state.

Almost all parts, barring a few areas of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, bear the brunt of the deluge. Approximately, 200 die annually because of these floods.

The latest bout, however, is more problematic than the previous floods as rescue personnel have to follow coronavirus-induced safety protocols while saving lives.

Reportedly, Brahmaputra, Dhansiri, Jia Bharali, Kopili, Beki, and Kushiyara rivers were flowing above the danger mark in several places.

On the current situation, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority's (ASDMA) State Project Coordinator, Pankaj Chakravarty, said the flood situation seems to have peaked.

"It is expected to improve in the next few days unless there is unexpected heavy rainfall," he said.

The worst-affected district is Dhubri, where 5.51 lakh suffered. It is followed by the Barpeta district where nearly 5.29 lakh people were affected.

In Goalpara, Morigaon, South Salmara, Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari, and Golaghat districts 4.27 lakh, 4.20 lakh, 2.25 lakh, 1.81 lakh, 1.44 lakh, 1.27 lakh, and 1.23 lakh people were affected respectively.

3,376 villages and 1.28 lakh hectares of agricultural lands have submerged.

In the last 24 hours or so, 3,991 people were rescued by NDRF, the SDRF, district administrations, and locals.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited a relief camp in Teok Rajabari Higher Secondary School, Jorhat district, and spoke to the affected people.

"Our government is working on a war footing to provide all necessary assistance to the flood-affected people," he tweeted on Wednesday.

The floods proved catastrophic for wildlife as well. According to forest officials, at least 66 animals have lost their lives and 117 have been rescued. Shockingly, at least 95% of the celebrated Kaziranga National Park was inundated.

The Manas and RG Orang National Parks, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tinsukia Wildlife Division were affected as well.

Moreover, nearly 22 lakh domesticated animals suffered.

Like Assam, some parts of Bihar were also affected by floods.

Villages adjoining the Kamala river in Darbhanga district were submerged after monsoon rains wreaked havoc, a report in TOI said.

A panchayat official said 55,000 people were directly affected and more than 100 houses were submerged.

A local revealed that floodwaters rose to 3-4 feet, blocking entry and exit in the village.