GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam continues to be dire, with recent reports indicating that two additional lives have been tragically lost due to the deluge, bringing the total flood-related deaths this year to 14. As of August 14, Monday, the impact of the floods has left over 65,000 people grappling with its aftermath.
A staggering tally of 316 villages spanning eight districts – Dhemaji, Sivasagar, Chirang, Darrang, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Kokrajhar, and Sonitpur – continues to bear the brunt of the inundation. The Sonitpur district has recently witnessed two drowning-related fatalities, contributing to the grim toll.
Encouragingly, certain districts have observed slight improvements as major rivers display a gradual receding trend. However, the Brahmaputra, Beki, and Disang rivers persistently surge above the danger mark, predominantly affecting the Barpeta, Sivasagar, Tezpur, and Jorhat districts.
Dhemaji remains the district hardest hit by the floods, where a staggering 31,087 individuals remain severely affected. Sivasagar follows closely, with 29,383 people enduring considerable hardships due to the ongoing inundation. In a bid to provide some respite, authorities have established 27 relief camps throughout the affected regions, offering shelter to around 1,329 displaced individuals.
Efforts to extend aid to those affected are in full swing, with 20 relief distribution centers actively providing essential relief materials to the flood-stricken populace. However, the deluge's impact isn't limited to displacement alone – over 5,743 hectares of agricultural land stand submerged across the affected districts, posing threats to livelihoods and food security.
Furthermore, the floods have dealt a harsh blow to livestock and poultry, affecting a total of 22,889 domestic animals. The destruction of numerous houses, roads, bridges, culverts, irrigation canals, and embankments has added to the colossal challenge in front of the affected communities.
In a bid to mitigate the widespread devastation, ongoing relief operations are mobilized on multiple fronts, aiming to provide much-needed assistance to the flood-affected populace. The situation, though showing marginal signs of improvement in some areas, continues to necessitate swift and comprehensive action to address the urgent needs of the affected communities.
ALSO WATCH: