The flood situation in the Lakhimpur district of Assam has deteriorated after several new areas were inundated by flood waters, affecting nearly 60,300 people.
The flood waters have submerged 67 villages under four revenue circles of the district. Around 545.50 hectares of crop area are still under water.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 37,700 people were affected in the Nowboicha revenue circle area of the district and 22,510 people in the Bihpuria revenue circle.
The district administration has set up seven relief distribution centres in the flood hit areas.
More than 10,000 domestic animals and poultry have also been affected in the deluge.
On the other hand, the water level of the Brahmaputra river is rising up following incessant rainfall and flowing above the danger level mark at Tezpur in Sonitpur district and Neamatihat in Jorhat district.
The water level of the Disang river is still flowing above the danger level mark at Nanglamuraghat in the Sivasagar district.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority flood report stated that 2696 people were affected in Dhemaji district and 2866 people were affected in Biswanath Sub-Division in Sonitpur district.
In the last 24 hours, flood waters breached one embankment, damaged four embankments, four roads, one bridge and a protection bundh etc.
On the other hand, river erosion continues in several areas in Lakhimpur, Goalpara, Charaideo, Sivasagar, South Salmara districts and Biswanath Sub-Division.
Rescue operations are being carried out by personnel from NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and Fire and Emergency Services to ensure the safety of affected residents.
On June 26, in the Barpeta district, 1.20 lakh people were affected in the Sarthebari revenue circle, 44394 in the Barpeta revenue circle, 3255 in the Chenga revenue circle, and 1743 in the Baghbar revenue circle. 382.75 hectares of cropland in the Barpeta district were underwater. Nearly 1.05 lakh domestic animals in the district were affected. The district administration distributed 1477.77 quintals of rice, 248.27 quintals of dal, 74.09 quintals of salt, and 7478.88 litres of mustard oil among the flood-affected people. They also distributed 1646.20 quintals of cattle feed.
Earlier on June 12, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners and other senior Officers of the State administration to put in place all necessary steps and ramp up the flood preparedness and response system.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “With the monsoon setting in, in the State, all the Government departments, including National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDC), National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force, should become alert to negotiate with the flood and reach out to the affected people.”
On June 24, talking about the flood preparedness made by the State Government, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Assam Disaster Management Authority Gyanendra Dev Tripathi told the media that the overall situation is building up, not at its peak, and it is the start of the flood season, but the State Government is fully prepared to deal with any kind of situation.
On June 25, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and assured him of all possible Central help to deal with the flood situation in the State.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also said that the Modi Government stands firm as it has always been with the people of Assam in these difficult times.
“Due to heavy rain, the people in parts of Assam are braving a flood-like situation. I have spoken to CM Shri @himantabiswa Ji and assured all possible assistance. NDRF teams are already on the ground conducting relief and rescue operations and adequate forces are on standby,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
