Assam: Third wave of floods turn devastating, around 2.25 lakh people affected

Guwahati: Although the first two waves of flood in Assam were much discussed and debated, even on national media platforms, the third wave has been largely ignored. However, that does not mean that the third wave of floods has not been destructive. As per the latest flood report of State Disaster Management Authority, around 2.25 lakhs people have been affected in the third wave of flood in Assam in as many as 219 villages across 9 districts.

A total of 219 villages in 13 revenue circles across 9 districts have been affected by floods in this fresh wave, resulting in much grief and inconvenience to the local public. Due to the floods, at least 10,000 hectares of cropland have been submerged under floodwater.

Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Morigaon, Majuli, West Karbi Anglong, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia are the districts that have been affected in the fresh wave, and 43 relief camps have been set up for the flood-affected people in the districts. Nagaon, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Morigaon have emerged as the worst-affected districts.

The impact of the floods has also been felt by the domesticated animals, as 40,000 livestock are suffering due to the floods, as per the ASDMA report.

The river Brahmaputra, which caused massive losses to lives and property in the first two waves, is again flowing above the danger level at Nimatighat in Jorhat and Sonitpur district. Two tributaries -- Jia Bharali and Kopili -- crossed the danger mark in northeastern Assam's Sonitpur and Nagaon districts respectively.

2020 has been a rather sad year for Assam, as far as losses from floods are concerned. According to reports, this year till the first week of August, the floods killed 118 people in 22 districts, while 26 others were killed in landslides since May 22.

It needs mention here that Assam has witnessed 12% of excess rainfall (actual 1644.2 mm against normal 1464.9 mm) for the last four months. In September, Assam recorded 46% of excess rainfall, which has again caused great grief to the denizens of the state.

Meanwhile, in the Nagaon district, extensive areas have been reportedly flooded due to the sudden release of waters by NEEPCO and Karbi Langpi hydel projects.

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