India: Over 105,000 affected by Assam floods as water level in Brahmaputra rises

Relentless torrential rainfall has triggered severe flooding in the northeast Indian state of Assam, affecting over 105,000 people across 14 districts as the mighty Brahmaputra river overflows. Karimganj district is the hardest hit, with nearly 96,000 residents affected, reports said citing Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

Nearly 5,000 people are affected in the Nagaon district while over 3,600 residents suffer in Dhemaji.ASDMA's revealed that the floods have also impacted people in Baksa, Barpeta, Darrang, Karimganj, Goalpara and Nalbari districts.

The situation has gotten worse from the last few days when earlier only nearly 6,000 people across four districts were reported to be affected.

Brahmaputra water level rises

The severe flooding comes amid continuing rainfall has caused the water levels in the Brahmaputra River, critical for agriculture in the Assam Valley,to rise.

The Kopili River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra in the northeastern region of India, is also flowing above the danger level at Kampur in Nagaon district.

This is posing further threats to the surrounding areas.

A local resident from Karimganj told ANI news agency, "There is a statue in the middle of the river, and when the water reaches its neck, we realise that the water level has risen."

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Assam and Meghalaya until June 20 and warned of exceptionally heavy rainfall on Tuesday (June 18).

At least 34 people killed

The floods have already claimed 34 lives this year due to weather-related incidents like landslides and storms.

In Assam's capital, Guwahati, several areas have been severely waterlogged, disrupting daily life.

A total of 309 villages have been affected, with around 1,005.7 hectares of cropland submerged.

The Assam government has responded by setting up 11 relief camps and distribution centres, providing shelter to 3,168 people.

Over the past 24 hours, authorities have distributed 21.5 quintals of rice, 3.81 quintals of dal, 1.14 quintals of salt and 114 liters of mustard oil among the flood victims.

Infrastructural damage has been extensive, with embankments, roads and bridges affected in Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhemaji, Goalpara, Hojai, Nagaon, Tamulpur, Darrang, Nalbari, Lakhimpur, and Udalguri.

Moreover, over 62,173 domestic animals and poultry have been impacted by the floods.

(With inputs from agencies)