The flood situation in Assam is getting more devastating as 104 people are reported to lose their lives and many are still feared lost or submerged in the ever gripping flood water force in the state. Almost 28 out of 33 districts of the state are engulfed in water affecting more than 40 lakh people.
Assam is already fighting the ever-increasing COVID cases in the country and the flood situation is making the situation worse. Amid the COVID epidemic, these stranded people have no scope to maintain a safe physical distance. Assam’s COVID warriors are multi-tasking as flood relief warriors as well. It is a dual challenge for the government and the authorities concerned.
Kaziranga National Park and other national wildlife sanctuaries of the state have also lost many animals to this flood. Till now 96 animals are reported dead including 8 rhinoceros.
Though rains have weakened over the past two days and floodwaters have started to recede in some parts, the situation remains grim. As per the current assessment, the condition of Assam due to floods is more alarming than last year, confirmed the ASDMA. The authority has set up around 303 relief camps and 445 relief distribution centres.
Living with flood has been the fate of Assamese natives every year which also leads to massive loss of human lives, livestock and property. Yet the government failed to declare it a national problem nor been able to approach for a permanent solution. People are just left to their fate to face the deadly problem every year.
On the other hand, England’s premier league football team Arsenal took to Instagram Friday to express solidarity with Assam. The post reads “We are with you…stay strong, Assam,” said the popular football club based in Islington, London. The Dalai Lama also wrote to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Friday expressing his concern and solidarity with the flood-ravaged state.“ I am writing to you today to express my sadness at the loss of life and devastation of property, as well as the tremendous hardship caused to so many due to flooding in many parts of your state,” his letter read.
It is disheartening to say no Indian Political Party nor any Indian Bollywood celebrity has been vocal of this issue of the state or have been taking any initiative to raise funds. Bollywood and Hollywood Star Priyanka Chopra, who is supposed to be the Brand Ambassador of Assam Tourism is also silent on the state’s distressing condition.
