The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with seven more deaths reported, bringing the total death toll to 90, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The state continues to grapple with severe flooding, affecting millions and submerging vast areas of land.
Recent Fatalities:
The latest fatalities include five individuals who perished in a boat capsize incident in the Goalpara district. Additionally, one person drowned in each of the Nagaon and Jorhat districts. Despite some improvement in the flood situation, these tragic incidents underscore the ongoing danger posed by the floodwaters.
Widespread Impact:
Over 12.33 lakh people across 24 districts remain affected by the floods. The submerged areas include 2,406 villages under 75 revenue circles, covering 32,924.32 hectares of crop land. The most affected districts are Dhubri, Cachar, Golaghat, Nagaon, Goalpara, Majuli, Dhemaji, and South Salmara, with hundreds of thousands of residents impacted in each region.
Rivers and Relief Efforts:
While water levels in many rivers are receding, the Brahmaputra River continues to flow above the danger mark at Neamatighat, Tezpur, and Dhubri, along with the Burhidihing, Disang, and Kushiyara rivers at various locations. Consequently, over 2.95 lakh people are currently taking refuge in 316 relief camps and distribution centers set up in the flood-affected districts.
Impact on Wildlife:
The floods have also taken a significant toll on wildlife, particularly in Kaziranga National Park. Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, reported that 180 wild animals have died, including 10 rhinos, 150 hog deer, and several swamp deer and sambar. Additionally, park authorities and the forest department have rescued 135 animals, including two rhino calves and two elephant calves, although 35 forest camps remain underwater.
The situation in Assam remains dire, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods on human and animal populations. The ASDMA continues to monitor the situation and provide necessary aid to the affected regions, but the path to recovery will be long and challenging as the state deals with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
(With inputs from agencies)
