Assam flood crisis: over 6 lakh affected across 19 districts

The flood situation in Assam has worsened significantly, with more than 6.44 lakh people affected across 19 districts, as per an official bulletin released on Monday.

At least eight rivers are flowing above the danger mark, with the Brahmaputra surpassing its highest flood level at Nematighat in Jorhat district.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), army, air force, and local administration, are actively involved in rescue operations.

A total of 6,44,128 people are currently affected by the deluge, impacting districts such as Kamrup, Golaghat, Majuli, Lakhimpur, Karimganj, Cachar, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Udalguri, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Darrang, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Biswanath, and Jorhat.

The death toll has risen to 45 for this year due to floods, storms, and landslides, with one new fatality and another person reported missing. Lakhimpur is the worst-hit district with 1,43,983 people affected, followed by Dhemaji with 1,01,333 people, and Cachar with 66,195 people.

Currently, 8,142 displaced individuals are taking shelter in 72 relief camps, with an additional 64 relief distribution centers operational. In Dhemaji, nine people were airlifted by an Air Force helicopter, while army and paramilitary personnel are conducting rescue operations in the Tinsukia district. A total of 1,293 people and 1,952 animals have been rescued using 64 boats from various affected districts.

Major rivers flowing above the danger level include the Brahmaputra at Tezpur, Subansiri at Badatighat, Dikhou at Sivasagar, Disang at Nanglamuraghat, Burhidihing at Chenimari and Khowang, Jia-Bharali at NT Road Crossing, Beki at Road Bridge, and Kushiyara at Karimganj.

Significant damage to infrastructure, including embankments, roads, and bridges, has been reported from various parts of the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the flood situation has become critical due to heavy rainfall in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support to manage the crisis.

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