13 Jul 2017 | 01:34 PM UTC
India: Assam flooding affects 400,000 people
Assam state under water after non-stop heavy rain; 400,000 people affected by second wave of flooding and food security concerns
Event
Three weeks of non-stop heavy rain has triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of South Asia, including India, that have impacted over a million people and caused widespread damage and destruction to homes and infrastructure.
India’s Assam state is experiencing a second wave of flooding, affecting 14 districts and nearly 400,000 people across 850 villages. The most heavily impacted districts include Jorhat, Golaghat, Cachar, Dhemjai, Biswanath, Karimganj, Barpeta, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Darrang, Hojai, Majuli, Lakhimpur, and Nagaon.
Initial reports estimate that nearly 14,000 hectares of agricultural land has been damaged by overflowing rivers - giving rise to food security concerns.
Context
The summer monsoon usually hits India from July to September. This year, the monsoon arrived in the capital New Delhi and other areas of northern India during the last week of June.
Advice
Individuals present in affected states are advised to monitor the situation and anticipate transportation delays. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.
