Assam is currently confronting the initial wave of its annual flood crisis, with the situation escalating rapidly as rising river levels, embankment breaches, and incessant rainfall inundate several districts. State authorities have placed vulnerable areas on maximum alert following widespread disruption.
The Dhemaji district has been particularly hard hit, with reports indicating that over 20,000 individuals have already been affected by the surging waters. Concurrently, fresh flooding in Bajali district has submerged vast tracts of agricultural land, damaged crucial road infrastructure, and significantly disrupted daily life for residents.
The state government has intensified its flood preparedness measures, responding to a notable increase in river discharge from upper catchment areas. Data from regional meteorological centres indicates that extremely heavy rainfall in these upstream regions has led to a significant surge in river flows, posing a substantial threat to downstream districts.
Officials have warned that the current flood wave is anticipated to first impact Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur. Subsequently, the waters are expected to move further downstream, affecting other districts and eventually reaching Dhubri over the next one to two days. In response to the worsening scenario, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the Chief Secretary to issue comprehensive instructions to all district administrations, urging them to enhance readiness and response efforts.