Assam: Lakhimpur MLA threatens to slap flood victim when complaining about drinking water scarcity

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MLA from Lakhimpur constituency in Assam Utpal Dutta on August 8^th, 2020, threatened to slap a flood victim when complaining about drinking water scarcity during a visit to a flood-affected area to take stock of the situation.

As per information, during his visit to the area, the flood-victims were complaining about a number of issues and difficulties they have been facing.

The incident has drawn strong resentment of the public across the state since lakhs of people have still been adversely affected by the ravaging flood in the state.

“It is condemnable act on the part of the MLA. He should try to understand the difficulties and issues of the flood-victims of the area. It is not the first time that we are going through it. It is an annual problem. But, this time, COVID-19 outbreak has doubled the pain of the people of the state,” a flood victim said.

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The ravaging annual floods have claimed a total of 110 lives so far in Assam. A total of 6 districts are reeling under floodwaters, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.

A total of 12,528 people and 5,375 hectares of cropland across 112 villages have been affected by the flood. So far 4,479 big animals, 2,281 small animals and 8,011 poultry are also affected.

Several rivers including the mighty Brahmaputra in different parts of Assam are flowing above danger level, causing floods and consequently leaving thousands of families homeless.

The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger level at Neematighat in Jorhat and Dhubri. Jia Dharali at NT Road Crossing and Kopili at Nagaon and Dhansiri at Numaligarh.

As per the latest data, the flood-affected districts are Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup (M), Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli and Sivasagar district. A total of 2 relief camps have been installed. In the relief camps, there are so far 201 people.

Meanwhile, the Kaziranga National park in Assam is badly affected with 50% area submerged and according to Forest department report, a total of 151 animals have died in this flood season and 172 animals have been rescued. 81 animals have died from drowning, 21 have died from vehicle hits and 17 died under treatment.

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