Dibrugarh, Aug 28: As the monsoon rains continue to pour over Assam, the Brahmaputra River, one of the largest and most important in India, has crossed the danger level mark in the district of Dibrugarh, leaving communities in its floodplains grappling with the annual menace of inundation.
The Brahmaputra River, often called the Lifeline of Assam, has a history of flooding during the monsoon season. This year is no different, with water levels rising significantly in various parts of the state, including Dibrugarh.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has been closely monitoring the situation and issuing daily flood bulletins. According to their latest bulletin, the water level at Dibrugarh reached 105.72 meters at 9 a.m., crossing the danger mark.
The danger mark for the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh is set at 105.53 meters. Crossing this mark means that areas along the river’s banks are at high risk of flooding. In this scenario, people residing in low-lying flood-prone areas have had to abandon their homes and seek refuge on the streets or move to safer locations.
The highest recorded flood level of the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh was 106.48 meters, noted back on September 3, 1998. This historical data underscores the cyclical nature of flooding in the region during the monsoon season.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s Heartwarming Moment After Javelin Throw Final
Flooding in Assam is an annual occurrence, and the state’s geographical location and topography make it particularly susceptible to inundation. The Brahmaputra, originating from Tibet and flowing through China and India, has a vast catchment area. When heavy rainfall occurs in its upper reaches or in the region through which it flows, the river swells, and its waters inundate low-lying areas.
The impact of such floods is severe. Homes are washed away, and families lose their livelihoods as crops and livestock are affected. Additionally, there is a significant risk to life and property.
To mitigate the effects of such recurring floods, Assam has put in place a range of flood control measures, including the construction of embankments and the use of modern technology for flood forecasting and early warning systems. Despite these efforts, flood management remains a formidable challenge due to the sheer scale of the Brahmaputra and the magnitude of water it carries.
The Brahmaputra River is not just a source of life and livelihood for the people of Assam; it’s also a source of immense beauty and biodiversity. Its floodplains are fertile and support rich agriculture, and its waters are teeming with a variety of fish species. However, the annual flooding disrupts this delicate balance.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about climate change exacerbating the flooding situation. Changes in rainfall patterns, increased intensity of rainfall events, and the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas are factors that experts attribute to the increased frequency and severity of floods in the region.
Efforts to manage and mitigate floods in Assam will need to be complemented by a broader strategy that addresses the root causes of these floods. This includes taking steps to combat climate change, promote sustainable land use practices, and enhance disaster preparedness and response.
For now, as the Brahmaputra River crosses the danger level mark in Dibrugarh, the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities. Relief and rescue operations are underway, and the people of Assam are once again demonstrating their resilience in the face of a natural challenge that, sadly, is all too familiar.
