Guwahati, June 7: The flood situation in India’s northeastern state of Assam remained grim on Friday, with over 561,000 people affected across 16 districts, and large swathes of key wildlife sanctuaries inundated, according to state authorities.
The death toll from this year’s monsoon-induced floods and landslides rose to 21 after two more fatalities were reported on Thursday, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in a bulletin.
Nearly 41,000 displaced residents have taken shelter in 175 relief camps, while 210 relief distribution centres have been set up to aid affected communities. The floods have submerged 1,406 villages and 57 revenue circles, with thousands more affected by urban flooding in two districts, ASDMA added.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati has forecast thunderstorms and lightning in 18 districts, further compounding relief and rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is visiting the Barak Valley region, among the worst-hit areas, for the second time this week to review the situation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has intensified evacuation operations, particularly in Sribhumi district.
Wildlife has also been severely impacted. Nearly 70% of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district is under water, forcing rhinos and other animals to seek higher ground. Forest officials have ramped up patrolling, especially at night, and are using boats to monitor forest camps and deter poachers.
“We are providing food to stranded animals and ensuring their safety,” a forest department official said, adding that several departmental elephants had been moved to Burha Mayong hills.
Vast areas of the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park have also been inundated by rising waters from the Brahmaputra and Kohora rivers, threatening its vulnerable wildlife population. The floods come as the monsoon begins to advance across eastern and northeastern India, bringing seasonal challenges to both rural and urban populations.
