A heavy spell of rainfall has flooded large parts of Assam, including capital Guwahati, affecting seven districts and nearly 2 lakh people. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the pressure is intensifying by the day to save those affected in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Nalbari, Goalpara, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The flood water has already affected about 579 hectares of crop area in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts. And about 12,000 domestic animals and poultry have also been affected.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued a red-coded weather alert as heavy rainfall is predicted in the state in the coming days. “Red-colour coded warning has been issued to Assam and Meghalaya for the next three days,” IMD Director General Mrurunjay Mohapatra said. Sathi Devi, head of the IMD’s national weather forecasting centre, said there is a strong flow of south-westerly winds from the Bay of Bengal, bringing a lot of moisture to these two states. This is aided by the orographic factors of these two states that will bring in very heavy rainfall, she added in a press statement.
In Visuals: The First Wave Of Floods Has Hit Assam
According to reports, most rivers in the state are overflowing because of the rain. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries, and other rivers such as Jia Bharali at Sonitpur and Puthimari river in Kamrup have crossed the danger mark.
The floods in Assam ravage the state, causing devastating damage year after year. The floods displace millions and claim many lives; however, very little is done to effectively manage the situation. And this deadly bout of flooding hardly gets any attention from the media.
Relief Camps Follow Social Distancing Norms
The state is already battling COVID-19. It has witnessed 680 active cases and four people have already lost the battle to the virus. A total of 57 relief camps and relief distribution centres were opened and 16 thousand people have already been moved to the camps. Keeping social distancing norms in mind, the chief minister has issued new guidelines that have to be followed in the relief camps. “The Chief Minister directed for ensuring all COVID-19 protocols like social distancing, hand washing, wearing of masks etc at the flood relief camps so that community spread of COVID-19 cases can be contained during the flood season,” the Chief Minister’s Office said.
How Can You Help?
Bigg Boss fame actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee has reportedly contributed to the Chief Minister’s relief fund programme to help those who have been displaced by the floods. You can also donate to the CM’s fund here.
Rapid Response is another non-profit organisation that provides emergency assistance and long-term solutions to victims of disasters. You can donate for #AssamFloods here. Let us all show some compassion and help those affected rebuild their lives.
Featured Image: Twitter