The spread of the Assam flood, leave 4.2 lakh people stranded

The escalating issue of the flood which has, since Thursday caused mass destruction in over 17 districts in Assam covering a whopping 700 villages has affected 4.2 lakh people as per current records.

The affected districts are Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Nagaon, Nlorigaon, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Nalbari, Baksa, Barpeta, Darrang, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. Almost 80,000 of the total affected are located in the district of Dhemaji alone.

As per the Central Water Commission’s recently accumulated data, rivers in various districts have been flowing above the danger mark, which along with the relentless rains are the primary cause of the escalation of the issue in the state.

CM Sarbananda Sonowal has, in light of the emergency, asked all officials of the state to be on alert. Deputy Commissioners have been told to monitor and closely work with District Administrators of all the flood affected areas while taking precaution for other possible risks.

People in the areas and in distress must have access to quick response from rescue teams, food, medication, necessities and shelter, he has instructed. 24x7 control rooms have been planned for quick response in the affected districts. Animals have also been taken into consideration in the relief plan with preparation for fodder being made. A stock has been taken, of amenities that are available for use and aid, including but not restricted to medication.

The floods have also caused a sudden growth in the number of cases of Japanese encephalitis and malaria being reported. Measures are being taken to contain the spread of both diseases by the use of blood tests in all the camps.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel have been asked to cooperate in rescue operations. The police have also been told to patrol flood affected areas, ensuring the security of property.

The Power Department is supposed to minimise incidents of electrocution due to negligence. In case of casualties, the provision of one-time financial aid must be provided to family swiftly. Landslide risks and the revision of preparations for the conservation of the National Parks which are almost 40% underwater, and dangerous for the animals, is also underway.

Guwahati, in the past, has seen massive loss of life during floods and other natural disasters. Although the CM has a plan which aims to sensitise people in at-risk areas and provide relief to others already affected, the ground reality and the effectiveness is yet to be determined.

with agency inputs.