Incessant rainfall in Assam has worsened the flood situation in the state. As per latest reports, more than 65,000 people in some 125 villages have been affected so far. About 3,800 hectares of crop area is currently submerged in flood water and Dhemaji, Bongaigaon, and Sonitpur are the three worst affected districts of the state.
Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger mark and floods have damaged roads and houses. Four relief camps have also been opened at Bongaigaon. Although very heavy rainfall has not been recorded in Assam over the last few days, most districts in the state have received incessant light to moderate showers.
The Brahmaputra Basin is a flood-prone region and normally during Monsoon, the intensity of rain in the region increases significantly. Furthermore, the water yield of the Brahmaputra Basin is among the highest in the world. The Brahmaputra Valley is very narrow and after passing the valley, the river flattens abruptly over the plains. This leads to drainage problems, widespread water congestion, and flooding in parts of Assam.
Now the Brahmaputra River originates in China, and other snow-fed streams also join the river, which then travels all the way to the Bay of Bengal. Normally during this season, heavy rainfall occurs over the region in China from where Brahmaputra originates. Even Arunachal Pradesh, from where the river passes, has been receiving good rainfall over the last few days.
Therefore, the combined effect of rain and snow over these areas adds up to the water discharge of the river. The brunt is then bore by the state of Assam where the river rushes out as it flattens. Unfortunately, more Monsoon rain is expected in the region which may not allow conditions to improve.
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