Assam Floods: Why Assam is facing frequent floods every year?

Down To Earth

8 Jul 202402:18

Summary

TLDRAssam is experiencing unprecedented floods in 2024, with the Brahmaputra and its tributaries causing severe damage. As of July 8th, 78 people have died and nearly 23 lakh are affected across 28 districts. Dhubri is the worst hit, followed by Cachar and Barpeta. The floods are exacerbated by extreme rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Bhutan. The state's rainfall exceeded the average by 17% this season. Experts call for a detailed reassessment of Assam's flooding situation, considering changing climatology and land use patterns, and recommend updated adaptation technologies.

Takeaways

🌧️ Assam is experiencing an unprecedented challenge in 2024 due to severe monsoon flooding.
🌊 The Brahmaputra and its tributaries have become more unpredictable and ferocious in their flooding patterns.
😔 As of July 8th, 78 people have lost their lives and nearly 23 lakh people across 28 districts have been affected by the floods.
📍 Dhubri is the worst-hit district with 7,54,791 people affected, followed by Cachar with 1,77,928 and Barpeta with 1,34,328.
☔ Increased extreme rainfall and occasional cloud bursts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya contribute to the flooding in Assam.
🏔️ Heavy rainfall in the hills of Bhutan often leads to flooding in the western part of Assam.
📅 From June 1 to July 7, rainfall in Assam exceeded the average by 17%, which is considered normal by the India Meteorological Department.
🔄 Assam experiences 4-5 waves of floods every year, but the season is getting elongated, happening more frequently now.
👨‍🔬 Experts emphasize the need for a detailed reassessment of the flooding situation, considering changing climatology, land use patterns, and socio-economic factors.
🏗️ Adaptation technology, such as embankments, needs to be redesigned using new assessments to better cope with the floods.

Q & A

What is the main challenge Assam is facing in 2024?
-Assam is facing unprecedented flooding, with the Brahmaputra and its tributaries exhibiting new levels of ferocity.
How many people have lost their lives due to the floods as of July 8th, 2024?
-As of July 8th, 78 people have lost their lives due to the floods.
How many people have been affected by the floods across Assam?
-Nearly 23 lakh people across 28 districts have been affected by the floods.
Which district in Assam is the worst hit by the floods?
-Dhubri is the worst hit district, with 7,54,791 people affected.
What are the primary causes of flooding in Assam?
-The primary causes of flooding in Assam include increased extreme rainfall, occasional cloud bursts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, and heavy rainfall in Bhutan's hills.
How does the current monsoon season's rainfall in Assam compare to the average?
-The rainfall in Assam during the current monsoon season from June 1 to July 7 exceeded the average by 17 percent, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers normal.
What is the typical pattern of flooding in Assam each year?
-Assam typically experiences at least 4-5 waves of floods every year, though some years see an elongated flood season.
What specific event does Partha Jyoti Das refer to when discussing elongated flood seasons?
-Partha Jyoti Das mentions that the last elongated flood season occurred in 2022.
What impact has the 2024 flooding had on Assam?
-The 2024 flooding has caused multiple waves of floods, impacting millions and leaving a trail of destruction across the state.
What do experts suggest should be done to address the flooding situation in Assam?
-Experts suggest a detailed reassessment of the flooding situation, considering changing climatology, land use patterns, and the socio-economic makeup of the state. They recommend designing adaptation technologies, such as embankments, using this reassessment.

Outlines

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🌧️ Assam Faces Severe Monsoon Floods in 2024

Assam is grappling with severe floods in 2024, an unexpected challenge despite being used to annual monsoons. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries have become more unpredictable, causing widespread devastation. As of July 8th, 78 people have died and nearly 23 lakh people across 28 districts are affected, with water levels still rising. Dhubri is the worst hit with 7,54,791 affected, followed by Cachar with 1,77,928 and Barpeta with 1,34,328 people suffering. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) highlights that extreme rainfall and cloud bursts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, along with local and Bhutanese hill rainfall, have exacerbated the flooding. The monsoon season from June 1 to July 7 saw 17 percent more rainfall than average, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers normal.

💧 Multiple Waves of Flooding in Assam

Assam experiences 4-5 flood waves annually, but recent years have seen more frequent and prolonged seasons, last notably in 2022. According to Partha Jyoti Das of Aaranyak, this year has seen multiple waves of flooding, affecting millions and causing extensive damage. Despite these challenges, the resilience of Assam's people and coordinated efforts of authorities offer hope. Experts suggest a comprehensive reassessment of Assam's flooding situation, considering changing climatology, land use patterns, and socio-economic factors. Adaptation measures like embankments need to be re-evaluated and redesigned based on these new assessments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Assam

Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its annual monsoon floods. In 2024, the state is facing an unprecedented challenge with extreme flooding, causing significant loss of life and displacement of people. The script discusses the impact of the floods on Assam, highlighting the state's vulnerability to changing climate patterns.

💡Brahmaputra

The Brahmaputra is a major river in Assam and its flooding patterns have become more unpredictable and severe. The river and its tributaries are central to the flooding issue discussed in the script, as their increased ferocity has led to widespread devastation.

💡Monsoon

The monsoon season in Assam, which typically brings heavy rainfall, is a crucial period mentioned in the script. This year, the rainfall has exceeded the average by 17%, contributing significantly to the flooding. The monsoon's impact on Assam's climate and flooding patterns is a key focus.

💡Floods

Floods are the primary disaster discussed in the script, affecting millions of people in Assam. The floods have resulted in loss of life, displacement, and destruction across the state. The script details the extent of the flooding and its impact on various districts.

💡Dhubri

Dhubri is one of the worst-hit districts in Assam, with 7,54,791 people affected by the floods. The script highlights Dhubri as an example of the severe impact of the flooding on local communities.

💡ASDMA

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is the organization providing data on the flood-affected areas and populations. The script references ASDMA to underscore the scale of the disaster and the need for coordinated disaster management efforts.

💡Extreme Rainfall

Extreme rainfall, including occasional cloud bursts in neighboring regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, is cited as a major cause of the flooding in Assam. The script discusses how these weather patterns have exacerbated the flood situation.

💡Resilience

Resilience refers to the ability of Assam's people to cope with and recover from the severe flooding. The script emphasizes the resilience of the affected communities and the efforts of authorities to provide relief and support.

💡Adaptation Technology

Adaptation technology, such as the design and materials used for embankments, is mentioned as a necessary measure to address the changing flooding patterns. The script calls for a reassessment of such technologies in light of the new climate challenges.

💡IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides data on the monsoon rainfall, indicating that this year's rainfall in Assam exceeded the average by 17%. The script uses IMD's data to highlight the unusual severity of the current monsoon season.

Highlights

Assam is facing an unprecedented challenge in 2024 due to the ferocity of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

As of July 8th, 78 people have lost their lives and nearly 23 lakh people across 28 districts have been affected by floods.

Floodwaters continue to rise above danger levels in many areas of Assam.

Dhubri is the worst hit with 7,54,791 affected, followed by Cachar with 1,77,928 and Barpeta with 1,34,328 suffering in the swirling water.

Extreme rainfall and occasional cloud bursts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya are responsible for flooding in Assam.

Heavy rainfall in Bhutan's hills often leads to flooding in the western part of Assam.

The rainfall in Assam during the current monsoon season from June 1 to July 7 exceeded the average by 17 percent, which is considered normal by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

There are at least 4-5 waves of floods every year in Assam, but the season gets elongated more frequently now.

Assam has seen multiple waves of flooding this year alone, impacting millions and leaving a trail of destruction.

The resilience of Assam's people and the collective efforts of authorities provide hope amidst the adversity.

A detailed reassessment of the flooding situation in Assam needs to be carried out, considering changing climatology, land use patterns, and socio-economic makeup.

Adaptation technology, such as embankments, needs to be designed using the reassessment of the flooding situation.

The increased frequency of extreme rainfall events is challenging Assam's preparedness and response systems.

The floods have caused significant socio-economic disruptions in the affected districts.

The role of non-profit organizations like Aaranyak is crucial in understanding and mitigating the impact of floods in Assam.