Assam floods: 38 dead, 1.1 million affected; govt blames ‘factors beyond control’

India's Northeastern state of Assam has been reeling under massive floods for days now, with at least 1.1 million people across 23 districts getting affected. A Free Press Journal report said at least 38 people have died so far in the state, with at least 3 dying due to drowning in the last 24 hours. So far, 48 people have died in the state this year in floods, landslides and storms. The local administration has blamed the deluge on the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries whose water levels have risen rapidly in recent days.

State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited several flood-hit areas on Tuesday (Jul 2) and held meetings with officials to ensure the distribution of relief materials to the needy. On Wednesday, the CM visited more affected areas and said the flood situation was due to 'geographical factors beyond the state's control'.

"The devastating second wave of floods in the state were mainly due to the cloudburst in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh," he told reporters in Kamrup district.

He further attributed the situation to heavy rainfall in China, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

At least 290,000 people have taken shelter in relief camps erected by the local administration, local media reported.

Several forces, including SDRF, NDRF, Emergency Services and Air Force, have been rushed to the state to help with rescue and relief measures.

The chief minister said the water levels had begun to recede, which could bring much-needed respite to the victims. He said the administration is well-prepared to deal with the aftermath of the flood situation.

CM Sarma stated, "We are working 24/7 to ensure no further embankment breaches occur." "In a week, the situation should improve," he stated.

Assam's Kaziranga National Park is also facing the brunt of increased water levels, with several animals being reported dead. The CM reviewed the situation in the park and directed officials to take adequate precautionary measures.