Severe floods continue to plague the state of Assam every year, causing significant damage and loss. With heavy monsoon rains and the combination of the Brahmaputra river and the region’s terrain, Assam is particularly vulnerable to flooding. This year, the monsoon arrived early, resulting in floods in 18 districts of the state and affecting over 30,000 people.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more heavy rains and storms in the coming days, keeping Assam on orange alert. While this may be unusual for other states, Assam is no stranger to such weather events, with lakhs of people being affected by floods annually.
The state also suffers heavy financial losses due to these floods, amounting to approximately 200 crores each year. Even world heritage sites like Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are not spared from the devastation. In 2020, 90 percent of the area in some wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to the world’s largest population of rhinos, was affected by floods.
The main question that arises is why Assam faces these floods year after year. Despite efforts to estimate and mitigate the losses, the state continues to bear the brunt of this natural disaster. Approximately 39 percent of Assam, covering an area of 31 lakh hectares, is affected by floods.
The Brahmaputra river and its tributaries play a significant role in causing floods in Assam. The state’s flood-affected area accounts for ten percent of the total flood-affected parts of India. With 50 tributaries feeding into the Brahmaputra, the river becomes dangerously swollen during the monsoon season.
The geographical location and natural terrain of Assam contribute to the flood problem. The Brahmaputra river, second only to the Amazon in terms of water and sediment transport, inundates low-lying areas. Additionally, the surrounding mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which receive heavy rainfall during
What are the main factors that contribute to the severe flooding in the state of Assam year after year?
Severe floods continue to afflict the state of Assam year after year, causing significant damage and loss. The combination of heavy monsoon rains, the Brahmaputra river, and the region’s terrain make Assam particularly susceptible to flooding. This year, the monsoon arrived early, resulting in floods in 18 districts and affecting over 30,000 people.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for more heavy rains and storms in the days to come, placing Assam on orange alert. While this may be uncommon for other states, Assam is well acquainted with such weather events, with hundreds of thousands of people being affected by floods annually.
These floods also result in substantial financial losses for the state, amounting to approximately 200 crores each year. Even world heritage sites like Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are not spared from the devastation. In 2020, floods affected 90 percent of some wildlife sanctuaries, which house the world’s largest population of rhinos.
The fundamental question that arises is why Assam continues to face these floods year after year. Despite efforts to estimate and mitigate the losses, the state remains burdened by this natural disaster. Approximately 39 percent of Assam, encompassing an area of 31 lakh hectares, is affected by floods.
The Brahmaputra river and its tributaries play a major role in causing the floods. The flood-affected area in Assam accounts for ten percent of the total flood-affected regions in India. With 50 tributaries flowing into the Brahmaputra, the river swells dangerously during the monsoon season.
The geographical location and natural terrain of Assam contribute to the flood problem. The Brahmaputra river, second only to the Amazon in terms of water and sediment transport, submerges low-lying areas. Additionally, the surrounding mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon, exacerbate the situation.
The annual floods in Assam and its connection to Bhutan are a prime example of how interconnected our environment truly is. Understanding these links is crucial in devising effective strategies to mitigate the devastating impact of the Indian Monsoon on the people and ecosystems of Assam.
The recurrent floods in Assam are a consequence of the Indian monsoon and its close connection to Bhutan. Understanding this link is crucial for effective flood management in the region.