Persistent rain and flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have caused rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, leading to severe flooding in Assam.
The death toll from the ongoing Assam flood crisis has increased to 56, with an estimated 1.6 million people affected across 29 districts. This surge in water levels of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries has been documented by official sources on Thursday, July 4.
The state government has issued an alert in the Kamrup (Metro) district as multiple rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Digaru, and Kollong, are flowing above the danger mark, submerging vast areas of land throughout the state.
Data from the Central Water Commission Official Flood Forecast highlights a rising trend for the Brahmaputra River at numerous stations, including Dhubri, with water levels surpassing the danger mark at 16 locations. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is reportedly visiting various regions to assess the flood situation, accompanied by cabinet ministers Piyush Hazarika, Ranoj Pegu, and Jayanta Mallaburuah, among others.
The districts severely affected by the floods include Barpeta, Biswanath, Cachar, Charaideo, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Hojai, Jorhat, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, East Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Morigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, and Tinsukia.
Floods Devastate Kaziranga National Park
Meanwhile, floodwaters have receded from Kaziranga National Park in Assam, resulting in the death of 17 animals due to drowning. The national park officials reported that approximately 72 animals were rescued on Thursday. According to The Telegraph, of the 233 camps in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, 141 remain inundated, down from 173 on Wednesday.
Officials attribute the floods in areas like Majuli to sudden flash floods, exacerbated by the rising water from the Brahmaputra. The flash flooding in Subansiri was triggered by heavy downpours in upstream regions of Arunachal Pradesh. Unusually severe rainfall and cloudbursts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya are believed to be responsible for the flooding in Assam, and this trend is expected to continue.
Brahmaputra Maroons Many Regions in Bangladesh
The relentless rains and upstream water surges have also submerged many districts across the border in Bangladesh. Recent reports indicate that around 50,000 people have been stranded in Kurigram district as floods spread to new areas. The surge in water levels of the Teesta, Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers has submerged vast tracts of low-lying areas in the country. “Water levels at Brahmaputra, Jamuna, and the Ganga-Padma rivers are rising, which may continue in the next 72 hours,” according to a bulletin quoted by Business Standard from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Wednesday.
The report suggests that in the next 24 hours, the water level at multiple points of the Jamuna River along Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Bogura, and Sirajganj districts is expected to rise and cross the danger levels.
Rainfall Exceeds Seasonal Average
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the rainfall in Assam during the current monsoon season has exceeded the average by 18 percent, which is considered normal. However, the sudden rains in the upper regions have worsened the conditions of the rivers, triggering severe flooding in the lower areas.
The ongoing flood crisis in Assam demands urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. With thousands of lives disrupted and significant damage to property and wildlife, immediate relief and rehabilitation measures are crucial. Authorities and citizens must collaborate to ensure safety and provide necessary aid to the affected regions.
If you wish to contribute to the relief efforts or need assistance, please visit the official Assam government flood relief website or contact local disaster management authorities. Your support can make a significant difference in alleviating the suffering of those affected by this devastating crisis.
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