Guwahati, Aug 12: Assam is once again grappling with the devastating impacts of floods. The flood situation has taken a turn for the worse, affecting the lives of more than 27,000 people across six districts, as reported by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
The districts most severely affected include Dhemaji and Dibrugarh, where 19,163 and 5,666 individuals respectively have been left vulnerable to the deluge’s fury. The situation is dire, with 175 villages spread across 18 revenue circles in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Darrang, Jorhat, Golaghat, and Sivasagar districts currently submerged under floodwaters.
In the heart of this crisis, the Dhemaji district paints a grim picture. The floodwaters have mercilessly affected 44 villages under revenue circles such as Jonai, Dhemaji, Gogamukh, and Sissiborgaon. Among the worst-hit areas, the Sissiborgaon revenue circle stands out, with over 10,300 people facing the wrath of rising waters. Families have been compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in safer zones as floodwaters breach their dwellings.
The agricultural sector, which sustains a significant portion of the population, has also borne the brunt of this natural calamity. A staggering 396.27 hectares of cropland in the Dhemaji district alone have been submerged, leaving farmers grappling with substantial losses. Across the six districts affected, floodwaters have inundated 2,047.47 hectares of precious crop area, further exacerbating the region’s food security concerns.
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The rivers, lifelines that flow through the heart of Assam, have turned into harbingers of devastation. The Brahmaputra River, a symbol of life and prosperity for the state, continues to surge above the danger level mark at Neamatighat in Jorhat district. Similarly, the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River in Numaligarh, Golaghat district, are also flowing at precarious levels, instilling fear in the hearts of residents along their banks.
Beyond the human toll, Assam’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems have also suffered a blow. More than 18,400 domestic animals have been impacted by the deluge, adding to the urgency of the situation. In the last 24 hours alone, floodwaters have managed to wreak havoc on the region’s infrastructure, damaging two roads and a bridge in Dhemaji district.
As the state confronts these challenges, the unity and resilience of its people are put to the test once again. Communities are coming together to support one another, assisting those affected and ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind in this battle against nature’s fury.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority, along with local authorities and relief organizations, is working tirelessly to provide assistance and relief to those in need. Efforts are being made to evacuate residents from danger zones, provide shelter, food, and medical aid, and assess the extent of damage incurred.
In the face of adversity, Assam stands united, determined to overcome the challenges posed by nature’s fury. As the floodwaters recede, the long process of recovery and rebuilding will begin, reminding us once again of the resilience and indomitable spirit that define the people of Assam.
