Assam Floods: Air Force Rescues 13 Fishermen, Over 6 lakh

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has played a crucial role in rescuing stranded individuals during the ongoing floods in Assam. In a recent operation, Assam floods Air Force rescued 13 fishermen who were marooned on a small island in the flooded Brahmaputra River, north of Dibrugarh. The fishermen had been stranded for four days before being airlifted to safety by IAF helicopters.

The floods in Assam affected over 6.71 lakh people across 28 districts. The worst-hit districts are Lakhimpur (143,983 affected), Dhemaji (101,333), and Cachar (66,195). The deluge has damaged roads, bridges, and river embankments, and has also inundated the Majuli river island and the Kaziranga National Park.

The floods have claimed 38 lives so far, with three more deaths reported from Dhemaji and Tinsukia districts. The authorities have set up 489 relief camps, where 18,459 of the marooned people are taking shelter.

Upper Assam Region Grapple with Devastating Flood

Reasons for the Severe floods

There are several factors contributing to the severity of the floods in Assam this year:

1. Heavy Rainfall: The region has experienced incessant rainfall, causing the Brahmaputra and other major rivers to swell beyond danger levels.
2. Climate Change: The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, can be attributed to climate change.
3. Deforestation: The loss of forest cover in the region has led to increased surface runoff and reduced groundwater recharge, exacerbating flood conditions.
4. Inadequate Infrastructure: The existing flood control measures, such as embankments and drainage systems, may be insufficient to handle the magnitude of the floods.

Potential Solutions

To mitigate the impact of floods in Assam, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

1. Improved Early Warning Systems: Investing in advanced weather monitoring and forecasting technologies can help predict floods more accurately, allowing for timely evacuation and preparedness measures.
2. Strengthening Infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining flood control infrastructure, such as embankments, dams, and drainage systems, can help manage flood waters more effectively.
3. Sustainable Land Use Planning: Promoting sustainable land use practices, such as preserving wetlands and mangroves, can help regulate water flow and reduce flood risk.
4. Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forest cover can help reduce surface runoff, increase groundwater recharge, and mitigate the impact of floods.
5. Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Empowering local communities to participate in disaster risk reduction activities, such as evacuation drills and flood-proofing measures, can enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability.
6. Coordination and Cooperation: Strengthening coordination among various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners can help mobilize resources and expertise for effective flood management.

Conclusion

The floods in Assam have once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive flood management strategies. While the IAF’s rescue operations have saved lives, long-term solutions are necessary to address the underlying causes of the floods and build resilience in the affected communities.

By investing in early warning systems, strengthening its infrastructure, promoting sustainable land use practices, and fostering community-based disaster risk reduction, Assam can better prepare for and respond to future events. Additionally, addressing the global challenge of climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures can help reduce the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region.

As the state government and various agencies work tirelessly to provide relief and rehabilitation to the affected people, the lessons learned from this disaster must be used to inform and improve future flood management strategies. Only through a collaborative and comprehensive approach can Assam build a more resilient future in the face of the increasing threat of floods.

Brahmaputra river in Assam has seen a significant rise in Water Levels

Factors Linking Climate Change to Assam’s Floods

1. Increased Rainfall Intensity: Climate change has led to an increase in the intensity of rainfall, with Assam receiving double its average June rainfall in the first three weeks of June 2022 alone.
2. Erratic Monsson Patterns: Assam’s monsoons have grown increasingly erratic and unpredictable, with much of the expected annual rainfall sometimes arriving in a matter of weeks.
3. Melting Himalayan Snow: As the Himalayan snow melts due to rising temperatures, it contributes to the swelling of the Brahmaputra River, which frequently causes flooding in Assam

Impact of Climate Change on Flood Frequency

Nearly 40% of Assam’s area is prone to floods, and the frequency of these events has been increasing due to climate change. The state has experienced a series of devastating floods in recent years, with the 2022 floods claiming 174 lives and damaging crops across 2,35,845.74 hectares.

Addressing the Challenge

To mitigate the impact of climate change on Assam’s flood situation, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes:

• Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Investing in advanced weather monitoring and forecasting technologies can help predict floods more accurately, allowing for timely evacuation and preparedness measures.
• Improving Infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining flood control infrastructure, such as embankments and drainage systems, can help manage flood waters more effectively.
• Promoting Sustainable Land Use: Preserving wetlands, mangroves, and other natural flood buffers can help regulate water flow and reduce flood risk.
• Enhancing Community Resilience: Empowering local communities to participate in disaster risk reduction activities and leveraging traditional knowledge systems can help build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
• Adopting Green Budgeting: Assam’s introduction of a green budget in 2023 is a step in the right direction, as it will help track the flow of climate funds and mainstream climate action in policymaking.

As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of floods in Assam, the state government and its partners must take urgent action to address this challenge. By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable land use practices, and empowering communities, Assam can build a more resilient future in the face of the increasing threat of floods.