The flood situation in Assam continued to remain grim on Sunday with over 117,000 people still reeling under the deluge across 10 districts of the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on X.
CM Sarma added that 134 relief camps and 94 relief distribution centres were being run by the government authorities and a total of 17,661 people were taking shelter there. Sarma also said that the Kushiyara river is at present flowing above the danger mark at Karimganj in the Barak Valley. As reported by the, Karimganj was one of the worst affected areas during this flood.
On Sunday, the flood situation in Assam improved slightly as the number of affected people and districts decreased,However, two more deaths were reported, taking the toll in this year’s flood, landslides, and storms to 39 an Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.
Meanwhile, The IMD had predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over Assam in its press release on June 22, and had extended a red alert to Assam for several days.
As reported by the PTI, 2,20,546 animals, including poultry, have been affected by the flood. Cropland of 3,995.33 hectares has also been submerged under the flood waters.
Earlier, during the floods, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam, of breaking their promise to the people of making the state flood-free.
Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah will be holding a review meeting on Sunday to analyse flood preparedness. 37 people have died and one person has gone missing during the Assam floods this time.
Assam’s Flood History
2020 Assam Floods:
Assam witnessed a flood in 2020 (May to August), coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The floods were caused by heavy monsoon rains and affected over five million people, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and livelihoods.
Impact
Death Toll: 149 people died due to floods and landslides, with an additional 26 deaths attributed to landslides.
Displacement: Over 150,000 people sought refuge in relief camps.
Crops and Livelihoods: Crops across five districts were destroyed, and many people lost their livelihoods.
The 2019 Flood
In July 2019, the Indian State of Assam witnessed a grim flood with a death toll of approximately 11 and Over 83,000 people were sheltered in approximately 500 government-established relief camps and centres.
The floods increased the risk of diseases like dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis due to stagnant water.
Response of the Government
The government announced funding of ₹3.46 billion to support relief efforts, and the World Meteorological Organisation launched the South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System to enhance disaster risk reduction and preparedness in the region.
Similar flood situations happened in the years 2014, 2012, 2002, 1998, 1994, and many other years.
