Assam floods: People, wildlife, agriculture badly affected

Guwahati, July 9: Authorities have sounded evacuation alert in Assam, where 11 districts have been badly hit by flood conditions after torrential rains caused River Brahmaputra and its tributaries swell. Nearly one lakh people have been hit by the flood.

The Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger mark in districts like Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Sonitpur.

Three hundred and fifty villages in 11 districts were reportedly inundated by the overflowing rivers with Dhemaji district being the worst hit. Sources in Assam State Disaster Management Authority said the district was submerged by the swollen up Jiadhol river.

Tinsukia, Golaghat, Nagon, Chirang, Jorhat, Karimganj, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Kamrup and Sibsagar were also badly hit. Around 900 relief camps have been set up, most of them in Dhemaji district.

Wildlife was also affected as flood water entered Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The former, known for its one-horned rhinoceros, has been partially submerged.

Agriculture was also affected as about 6,000 hectares were flooded with standing crops like rice being ruined.

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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is an MP from Assam, spoke to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi over the flood situation and promised central help.

OneIndia News