Floods in Assam claim 46 lives, affect over 16 lakh people

At least 46 people have died due to severe floods in Assam, including eight fatalities from drowning reported on Wednesday.

The flood situation remains critical, affecting over 16.25 lakh people across 29 districts. Some of the worst-hit districts include Dhubri, Darrang, and Lakhimpur, with thousands of people displaced. Over 2,800 villages are underwater, and nearly 40,000 hectares of crops have been inundated.

More than 3.86 lakh people have sought refuge in 515 relief camps set up by the administration in 24 districts.

Rescue operations are in full swing with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, and the Indian Army. On Wednesday alone, they managed to rescue 8,377 people.

The floodwaters have caused significant damage to infrastructure, destroying 100 roads, 14 bridges, seven dams, and breaching four embankments. The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark in several locations, including Tezpur, Dhubri, and Guwahati.

The floods have also affected over 11 lakh animals, adding to the distress.

Kaziranga National Park has also been hit hard, with 17 wild animals, including a rhino calf and hog deer, drowning. However, park authorities have managed to rescue 72 animals, with many still under treatment.

Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, said that despite challenging conditions forest officials have rescued various animals, including hog deer, otters, and a jungle cat.