Assam flood toll rises to 80; over 2.12 lakh people affected in eight districts
Guwahati, July 31
The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Friday, with more than 2.12 lakh people continuing to reel under the impact of inundation across eight districts, while the cumulative death toll due to this year's floods rose to 80, officials said.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a total of 2,12,441 people are currently affected by floods in Golaghat, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Charaideo, Kamrup (Metro), Jorhat, Dhemaji and Nagaon districts.
The disaster has affected 437 villages spread across 21 revenue circles, while floodwaters have submerged 17,198.09 hectares of crop area, causing extensive damage to agricultural land.
ASDMA said two more persons lost their lives in Sivasagar district during the past 24 hours, taking the total flood-related death toll in the state this season to 80.
Authorities are continuing relief and rescue operations in the affected districts.
Relief camps have been opened at 21 locations to shelter displaced families, while district administrations are providing food, drinking water and other essential supplies to those affected.
Officials said urban flooding continues to affect parts of Kamrup Metropolitan district.
Two localities -- Padumbari and Tetelia-Boragaon Service Lane -- under one revenue circle remain impacted due to waterlogging.
Meanwhile, ASDMA on Thursday night issued a public advisory asking residents to stay away from the Dhansiri (South) River following a continuous rise in its water level at Numaligarh in Golaghat district.
"Due to the continuous increase in the water level of River Dhansiri (South) at Numaligarh in Golaghat district of Assam, citizens are advised to stay away from the river," the authority said in its public interest advisory.
Officials said the state government and district administrations are closely monitoring the flood situation, particularly in vulnerable areas, as water levels in several rivers continue to remain high.
The authorities have urged people living in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the district administration and disaster management agencies.
— IANS
Reader Comments
80 lives lost is so tragic. The images from relief camps are painful to see. More than just relief, we need a comprehensive flood management plan for the Brahmaputra basin. Both state and central governments need to work together on this urgently.
The government needs to come up with a permanent solution. Every year our state goes through the same ordeal. 437 villages submerged and 17,000 hectares of crops destroyed - this affects our farmers badly. We need better flood control infrastructure now. #AssamFloods
😢 This is so sad. Praying for the safety of all people in Assam. We as a nation need to do more for our Northeastern states. These are real human tragedies, not just numbers.
The urban flooding in Guwahati is particularly concerning. We have seen continuous waterlogging issues each year. There needs to be better city planning and drainage systems. Also amazed at how quickly the authorities respond, but we all know we need more long-term action.
Two more deaths in Sivasagar... it's just tragic. I hope relief is reaching everyone in time. The fact that 2.12 lakh people are suffering and we are reducing the debate to politics back home is wrong. This is the time to come together and help each other. Stay safe, Assam ❤️
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