Flood in Assam: A Never-Ending Problem

ARABINDA RABHA

Assam, a state in northeastern India, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

However, it is also a region plagued by annual floods that disrupt lives and cause significant damage.

The Brahmaputra River, one of the largest rivers in the world, flows through Assam and is both a blessing and a curse. While it enriches the soil with its sediments, making the region agriculturally fertile, it also causes devastating floods affecting millions of people.

Understanding the Causes: The reasons behind the frequent flooding in Assam are multifaceted. The Brahmaputra River basin’s unique topography and its susceptibility to heavy rainfall make it prone to flooding. The river, with its tributaries, covers a vast area that includes Assam, Tibet, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The sheer size and flow of the Brahmaputra mean that any excess rainfall can quickly turn into a flood.

The South Asian monsoon is a significant factor. Assam receives excessive rainfall during the monsoon season, often leading to the rivers exceeding their capacity. The region’s heavy rainfall, coupled with the river’s vast catchment area, creates a high risk of flooding.

Rampant deforestation in the catchment areas of rivers has led to decreased soil absorption of rainwater, increasing surface runoff and contributing to more severe floods. The loss of forest cover means that there is less vegetation to absorb the rainwater, leading to more water flowing directly into the rivers.

While embankments are built to contain the river’s flow, they often get breached. Poor maintenance and the sheer volume of water often render these structures ineffective. The embankments, meant to be a line of defense, sometimes become an additional hazard when they fail.

Impact of Flooding: The consequences of flooding in Assam are severe and multifaceted. Every year, floods in Assam result in loss of lives and displacement of communities. Thousands of people are forced to seek refuge in relief camps. The psychological and physical toll on the affected population is immense, with many losing their homes and livelihoods.

Agriculture, the backbone of Assam’s economy, suffers tremendously. Floods not only destroy crops but also erode fertile land, leading to long-term agricultural setbacks. The economic cost of rebuilding and recovery is staggering, with resources often stretched thin.

Roads, bridges, and railways suffer extensive damage during floods, cutting off affected areas and hampering relief efforts. The infrastructure damage not only disrupts daily life but also impedes the long-term development of the region.

Floods disrupt wildlife habitats, particularly in the Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Many animals perish or are displaced during the annual floods, affecting the region’s biodiversity.

Historical data and recent events highlight the severity of the flood problem in Assam. In 2020, over 2.8 million people were affected by the floods in Assam, with the death toll reaching 113. Additionally, about 70% of the Kaziranga National Park was submerged, affecting its rich biodiversity. The 2017 floods were another catastrophic event, impacting nearly 1.7 million people and causing significant economic and environmental damage.

In 2023, the flood situation in Assam remained critical, with over six lakh people affected in 19 districts and 45 people dying in rain-related incidents. The Indian Air Force had to rescue stranded fishermen and relief workers from various flood-hit areas.

In the latest wave of flooding in 2024, over 6.71 lakh people have been affected in 20 districts. The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries are flowing above the danger level at multiple locations. The Indian Air Force rescued 13 stranded fishermen from the severely-hit Dibrugarh district. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and local administration, were engaged in rescue operations.

The death count in this year’s flood, storm, and landslides has reached 45, with the latest fatality reported. The flood situation is likely to worsen as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the state for the next two to three days.

Efforts and Challenges in Flood Management: Despite numerous efforts by the government and various organizations, flood management in Assam remains a daunting challenge. The government has invested in building and strengthening embankments, constructing reservoirs, and improving drainage systems. However, the scale of the problem often outstrips these efforts. Infrastructure development is crucial but must be matched with maintenance and upgrading.

There is a need for more robust planning and better implementation of flood management policies. This includes improved forecasting and early warning systems. Effective policies should also consider the region’s unique geographical and climatic conditions.

Engaging local communities in flood preparedness and response strategies is crucial. Community-based approaches can lead to more sustainable solutions. Training and awareness programs can empower communities to better handle flood situations.

Efforts to reforest and conserve wetlands are essential to enhance natural flood management mechanisms. Preserving and restoring natural landscapes can significantly reduce the impact of floods.

Recent Developments: The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with over 6.71 lakh people affected in 20 districts during the second wave of flooding in 2024. The Indian Air Force rescued 13 stranded fishermen from the severely-hit Dibrugarh district. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and local administration, were engaged in rescue operations.

According to official statements, at least 13 major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are flowing above the danger level at different places, with alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts.

On 2 July 2024, a Mi-17 IV helicopter from AFS Mohanbari undertook a rescue operation from a marshy piece of land, rescuing 13 marooned survivors from a small island in the flooded Brahmaputra, north of Dibrugarh in Assam. The coordinated efforts of the pilot and flight gunner ensured prompt and safe boarding of the 13 survivors, and emergency first aid was provided by the force after the rescue.

On Sunday, the IAF had also rescued eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and a revenue official from Jonai in Dhemaji district when they were stranded in another sandbar area during relief operations.

The flood problem in Assam is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach. While geographical and climatic factors contribute to the region’s vulnerability, human activities and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the challenges. A combination of robust infrastructure, effective policies, community involvement, and environmental conservation is essential to mitigate the impact of floods.

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the urgency for effective flood management strategies becomes even more pronounced. The plight of Assam calls for immediate and sustained efforts to turn the tide against this never-ending problem.

The annual floods in Assam are a stark reminder of nature’s power and the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions. The state and its people continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, but the battle against floods requires concerted efforts at all levels.

By addressing the root causes and implementing a combination of technological, infrastructural, and community-based solutions, Assam can hope to mitigate the devastating impact of floods and build a more resilient future.

02-07-2024

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