Assam’s flood situation turns grim as Brahmaputra and Jai Bharali continue to flow at dangerous levels

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As many as 5,494 people in 18 villages have been across Dhemaji and Lakhimpur have been affected by flash floods in Assam with the rivers Brahmaputra and Jia Bharali flowing above danger levels, The Sentinel reported.

Roads have also been damaged in Chachar and Dhemaji and damage to bridges and culverts have also been reported. Five relief camps for affected persons have been opened up and currently 158 people are taking shelter in them.

Updates by the Central Water Commission Official Flood Forecast stated that the Brahmaputra River was flowing above normal at Beki Road Bridge in Barpeta, Sivasagar, Numaligarh and Neamatighat while the Jai Bharali was over normal in Sonitpur.

Updates by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) states that as on June 18, 2020, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Narayanpur revenue circles have been affected. The number of villages affected in Dhemaji are 18, in Jonai are 12 and in Narayanpur are 109.

Due to the floods, a total of 8,070 people – 5,305 in Dhemaji, 2,183 in Jonai and 582 in Narayanpur have been affected. The total crop area affected is 1,932 hectares – 920 in Dhemaji, 903 in Jonai and 109 in Narayanpur. A total of big 2,173 animals have been affected, 1,352 small animals have been affected and 578 poultry has been affected.

In terms of relief, 6.80 quintals of rice, 1.11 quintals of dal and 0.35 quintals of salt has been distributed to the affected persons.

Early this month, at least 20 people in Chachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi were killed and seven were injured in landslides that were triggered by heavy rains in Assam’s Barak Valley. The District Collector of Chachar had said that an ex-gratia of Rs. 28 lakh was distributed among the family members of those deceased and injured.

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