Guwahati, July 4, 2024 – Severe floods in the northeastern state of Assam have claimed eight more lives on Wednesday, raising the total death toll to 56. Continuous rains have caused widespread devastation, affecting 27 out of 35 districts and trapping over 1.6 million people in waterlogged areas, according to The Indian Express.

Many districts have been cut off due to submerged roads, hindering rescue and relief operations. Rescuers have managed to save at least 8,377 people from various locations. Floodwaters have damaged 42,476 hectares of cropland and displaced 387,000 people, who have been evacuated to safer areas. The floods have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including dams, roads, and bridges.

The flood-affected districts include:

Hojai, Jorhat, Kamrup, Kamrup Mahanagar, East Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Morigaon, Nyagaon, Nalbari, Shibsagar, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Biswanath, Kachar, Charaideo, Chirang, Darang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dhibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Tinsukia

Dhubri district is the most affected, with 223,000 people impacted by the flood. Darang and Lakhimpur districts follow, with 184,000 and 166,000 residents affected, respectively.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has also suffered due to the floods. At least 17 wild animals have died, and 72 animals have been rescued.

Approximately 26,000 people have taken shelter in 181 relief camps across the state. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that the heavy rains will continue until next week, potentially exacerbating the situation.

The severe flooding in Assam has led to widespread displacement, agricultural damage, and loss of life. Rescue operations and relief efforts are ongoing, but the forecast of continued rain poses additional challenges. The state authorities and relief organizations are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster and provide aid to those affected.