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

Summary

Assam 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.