Assam floods: Complexities of disaster risk reduction

By Homolata Borah

Assam floods indicate impact of disaster is being determined by several inter-linked factors. These factors are unique in different parts of the same region. Therefore, the exercise of devising strategies for disaster risk reduction to deal with flood becomes multifaceted. The flood situation in Assam created by incessant rainfall and overflowing of the Brahmaputra has taken several lives and caused injuries across many districts. Assam is still struggling to deal with the ongoing floods and has also dealt with the similar situation in the past.

According to Assam State disaster management Authority report of 14th August, 2017, floods have affected 25 of the state’s 32 districts. In all 3,192 villages are reported to be inundated. Nearly 32 lakh people are directly affected. Nine of the state’s rivers are flowing above the danger level.

The nature, type and cause of floods across different parts of the state are different. In some areas flood situation is worsened due to high level of siltation and rising river bed. This is specially the case in Majuli district.

Poor maintenance and resultant failure of embankments and erosional activities are other contributing factors leading to recurrence of floods causing high magnitude of losses and damages.

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