With an additional seven deaths, the total number of fatalities in the Assam floods has now risen to 90, as reported by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
According to the latest flood report from ASDMA, five individuals lost their lives in a boat capsizing incident in Goalpara district, while another person drowned in floodwaters in Nagaon and Jorhat districts. “With these new casualties, the total death toll has reached 90,” stated the ASDMA flood report.
While there has been slight improvement in the flood situation, over 1.23 million people across 24 districts continue to be affected by the deluge. Currently, 2,406 villages in 75 revenue circles and 32,924.32 hectares of crop area remain submerged.
The affected districts include Cachar, Dhubri, Nagaon, Kamrup, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, and others. Dhubri district is the worst hit with 318,326 people affected, followed by Cachar with 148,609 people and Golaghat with 95,277 people.
Although the water levels in many rivers are receding, the Brahmaputra River still flows above the danger mark at several points. More than 295,000 people are taking shelter in 316 relief camps and distribution centers in flood-affected districts.
The ASDMA report also noted that 667,175 animals have been affected by the flood. In Kaziranga National Park, known for its wildlife, 180 animals, including 10 rhinos, have tragically perished. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, reported that among the casualties were 150 Hog Deer, 2 Swamp Deer, and 2 Sambar, while 2 Hog Deer died in a vehicle accident and 13 other animals died in care. Additionally, one Otter pup died under different circumstances.
Despite the challenges, efforts by park authorities and the forest department have resulted in the rescue of 135 animals, including two rhino calves and two elephant calves. Currently, 35 forest camps in the national park remain submerged due to the floods.
