Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The flood situation in Assam and Manipur has reached critical levels as relentless heavy rains continue to batter the northeastern states. The total death toll from flood-related incidents has risen to 48, with thousands evacuated to relief camps.
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have lost their lives due to the floods—46 in Assam and two in Manipur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for all northeastern states, predicting more heavy rainfall this week.
Rescue operations involving the Army, Assam Rifles, state police, Manipur Fire Service, NDRF, SDRF personnel, and local volunteers are in full swing. Using boats, these teams are rescuing stranded residents and distributing essential supplies, including packaged water and food.
Assam remains severely affected, with over 16.25 lakh people in 29 districts impacted by the second wave of floods. The state has set up 515 relief camps and distribution centres in 24 districts to shelter over 3.86 lakh people. Floodwaters have submerged 2800 villages and 39,451.51 hectares of cropland, causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, and houses.
In Manipur, over 2000 individuals have been evacuated from heavily flooded areas. The Imphal River breached its embankment at Singjamei Oinam Thingel in Imphal West, and the Kongba River swelled at Kongba Irong and parts of Keirao in Imphal East, exacerbating the situation.
The central government has pledged full support to the flood-hit states, promising additional manpower, boats, and life-saving materials to assist in the relief efforts. Other northeastern states, including Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, are also contributing to the ongoing operations.
With water levels of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries breaching danger levels, the situation remains dire. Continuous rainfall has led to widespread devastation, and the combined efforts of various agencies are crucial in managing the crisis.
As the region grapples with this natural disaster, the focus remains on providing immediate relief and ensuring the safety of the affected populations.