• Flood situation turns grim in Assam; 6 dead, 1.98 lakh affected

    Regional
    Flood situation turns grim in Assam; 6 dead, 1.98 lakh affected
    The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for several districts...

    Digital Desk: The flood situation in Assam has significantly deteriorated following incessant rainfall induced by Cyclone Remal. As of May 30, the calamity has affected over 1.98 lakh individuals across nine districts, leading to the tragic death of one person in the Hailakandi district. This latest fatality increases the death toll due to floods and rain in the state to six since Tuesday, while 18 others have sustained injuries.

    According to a report from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the districts hit hardest include Nagaon, Karimganj, Hailakandi, West Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Hojai, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. Cachar has emerged as the worst-affected district, with 1,02,246 residents suffering from the flooding, followed by Karimganj with 36,959 affected individuals, Hojai with 22,058, and Hailakandi with 14,308.

    The flooding has not only displaced people but also caused substantial agricultural damage. A total of 3,238.8 hectares of crops have been submerged, and 2,34,535 animals have been impacted. Major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Barak, along with their tributaries, are flowing above the danger mark in several places within the affected districts.

    In response to the crisis, approximately 35,640 people have sought refuge in 110 relief camps. Hojai has the highest number of evacuees, with 19,646 people in relief camps, followed by 12,110 in Cachar, 2,060 in Hailakandi, and 1,613 in Karimganj.

    Life has come to a standstill in the Barak Valley districts of Karimganj, Cachar, and Hailakandi, as well as in Dima Hasao, where relentless rain has crippled road connectivity. The Haflong-Silchar road has been completely severed near Harangajao, and the Haflong-Harangajao route is blocked by multiple landslides. Authorities have advised against nighttime travel except on the Umrongso-Lanka route.

    The floodwaters have also wreaked havoc on the railway infrastructure. Train services along the Haflong-Badarpur rail route have been disrupted due to landslides, and services have yet to be restored. In Nagaon, the rising waters of the River Barpani have damaged crucial infrastructure, including the Sildubi to Amdubi road and a wooden bridge at Ramanipathar, while a school in the Pamali Jarani area has been submerged. The Dhansiri River in Golaghat district is also flowing above the danger mark, submerging several low-lying areas.

    In Sonitpur district, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries continue to rise, causing water-logging and disrupting traffic in Guwahati city. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for several districts, including Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Dibrugarh, Karimganj, Cachar, Hailakandi, Dima Hasao, Dhubri, and South Salmara.

    The flooding has forced the suspension of ferry services for the third consecutive day, and all schools and educational institutions in the affected districts remain closed. In light of the worsening situation, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has directed district commissioners to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected populace. The ASDMA is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with various departments and response agencies to manage the crisis.

    As Assam grapples with these devastating floods, the immediate focus remains on providing relief and ensuring the safety of its residents amid continuing adverse weather conditions.