Death toll in Assam floods rises to 18, new areas go underwater

The flood situation in Assam remains dire as three additional fatalities were reported taking the death toll to 18. New areas inundated, although the number of affected people has slightly decreased, according to an official bulletin released on Monday, June 3.

Rivers continue to overflow, forcing affected residents to seek refuge in relief camps across various regions. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin from Sunday night indicated that over 600,000 people in 13 districts are still impacted by the flood. This marks a slight decrease from Saturday, when 601,642 people were affected across 10 districts.

The recent deaths due to the Assam floods were reported in Cachar and Nagaon, bringing the total death toll from the flood and related storms since May 28 to 18.

Three major rivers – Kopili, Barak, and Kushiyara – are still flowing above the danger level, the ASDMA bulletin noted. Nagaon remains the worst-hit district with 303,567 affected individuals, followed by Cachar with 109,798 and Hojai with 86,382.

More than 39,000 displaced individuals are taking shelter in 193 relief camps scattered across the districts, with an additional 82 relief distribution centers in operation.

Rescue and relief efforts are being conducted by various agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration. Medical teams have also been deployed to provide aid to the affected populations.

Reports of infrastructure damage due to the floods, including roads, bridges, and other property, have come from different districts, further underscoring the severity of the situation.

Significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and other properties, has been reported from several districts.