Assam floods: Over 18,000 people in relief camps amid heavy rains

The "season of annual" Assam floods has begun in the over incessant rainfalls with the onset of monsoon. This has already affected major districts of the state: Lakhimpur, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Nalbari, Tinsukia, West Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Nagaon.

The rivers above Kopili at Kampur, and Neamatighat (Jorhat) are flowing above the danger level. This will further worsen as uninterrupted rainfall continues.

A total of 348 villages are already impacted but things seem to go only worse with non-stop rainfall. So far, a total of 372451 people are affected. This has increased from 30,000 people initially on the first day to 1,94,916 to 2,71,655 to 2,90,000 put out by the previous data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). This demonstrates the intensity as to which the floodwaters are increasing.

Out of the 348 villages

Dhemaji - 09
Dibrugarh - 1
Darrang - 05
Goalpara - 113
Nalbari - 04
Tinsukia - 04
Nagaon - 76
Hojai - 90

Most affected areas

Out of the almost 4 lakh people affected, the most are from Goalpara (158804) with Balijana, Matia, and Lakipur facing the maximum brunt. Another dynamic of the problem in Goalpara has been the water from the Garo Hills, Meghalaya flowing down to the villages. Apart from the submerged areas of Balijana and Lakipur, there are other places that risk getting affected by flood.

Further high-risk zones due to Assam floods

The water of Kopili, Amreng, and Umlong river has submerged the adjacent areas of the region. People have left for the safest places. Flood submerged the area.

In Nagaon district, the Kopili river in Kampur and Noikhiri has taken a violent form. In Kampur town, areas have got submerged and relief camps have been setup

In lower Majuli district at Silakola Gaon Panchayat Water Board Switch Gate blown away by Subansiri

In Jorhat District, Teok Rajoh Chokkor Jajimukh, the Brahmaputra level is increasing. This has affected Jajimukh village, Bormothauri, Hagunpara, and at least 10/12 villages more

Also read: Assam: Flood hits Karbi Anglong leaving thousands homeless

Other big losses

So far there is a significant loss of animals with 54075 big, 21669 medium, and 102390 poultry.

The total crop area affected so far is 26977 hectares with 12104 in Goalpara.

Along with floods, there are instances of erosion in Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Nalbari which has led to the loss of infrastructure. In Dergaon, Jorhat, the Brahmaputra has eroded banks which has created problems for the locals.

As such, there are 195 relief camps opened so far at West Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Goalpara, and Tinsukia and there are 17770 inmates in these camps. But, how will those function under corona is a bigger question?

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