Floods wreak havoc in Assam every year, and this year has been no different. This year, floods caused by three long and heavy spells of rain since March have claimed 157 lives so far. Although the situation in the State has improved over the last week, the damage to life and property has been enormous. There are thousands of people who, having lost their homes, are still living in relief camps. Here are some questions and explanations on why Assam faces this problem every year, and what could be done about it.

Was the rainfall in Assam above normal this year?

• No. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Assam’s rainfall this year has been in the normal zone.

Why does Assam get flooded every year?

• Topography plays a major role. Because most of the rivers flow downstream in the State, they do so with so much force, especially during incessant rainfall, that breaches in embankments are all too common. There are also human-induced problems like destruction of wetlands, deforestation, and encroachments on river banks. Most cities and towns suffer due to poor planning.
• Both Brahmaputra and Barak, along with their tributaries, were flowing above danger levels at some point during the monsoon season. Dhansiri, Jia Bharali and Kushiyara, a Barak tributary, continue to flow above danger level.
• Rainfall in upstream also contributes to flooding, as the water flow increases downstream. China shares water flow information of the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers with India during monsoon as a part of bilateral ties. The hydrological data helps understanding water level downstream. However, this year India did not receive any information from China, said MEA.

What does the State do to tackle this?

• Rivers in Assam, including the Brahmaputra, are embanked in places. During the monsoon, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and NGOs identify dry lands in upper regions and organise shelter for people living in low-lying areas. Those affected often take shelter in schools, which remain shut till the situation improves.

Effects of Assam Floods:

• Floods claim many lives every year

• Many animals died

• Agriculture been affected

What could be a long-term solution?

• According to Himanshu Thakkar, an IIT graduate and water activist who is a coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, it is “not possible to flood-proof the whole of Assam.” However, here are a few measures that can be followed:

I) Rejuvenation of wetlands,

II) Reconstruction of embankments,

III) Decentralised weather forecast.

Source:TH