Monsoon 2024: As monsoon rains continue to lash eastern parts of India, the flood situation remains dire, particularly in Assam and Bihar. With water levels in several rivers rising rapidly, the impact on the population and infrastructure is severe. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assess the flood crisis. 


Monsoon 2024: More Than 24.5 Lakh People Affected Across Assam, Bihar Grapples With Rising Water Levels In Rivers



  • In Assam, the relentless rains have affected more than 24.5 lakh people across 30 districts. Major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and the Barak, are flowing above the danger mark at multiple locations, exacerbating the situation, news agency PTI reported. Districts such as Cachar, Kamrup, Dhubri, Nagaon, and Goalpara are among the worst affected. Urban flooding has been reported in Kamrup Metropolitan, Kamrup, and Dibrugarh. Tragically, 52 lives have been lost due to the floods, with an additional 12 fatalities caused by landslides and storms, as per PTI.


  • The flooding has also had a devastating effect on wildlife, with the Kaziranga National Park reporting the deaths of 114 wild animals. According to PTI, an official confirmed, “So far, we have rescued 95 animals, but the toll on wildlife is heartbreaking.” ALSO READ | Assam Flood: 114 Wild Animals Dead, 95 Including 18-Month-Old Rhino Calf Rescued In Kaziranga National Park


  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are operating at full capacity to rescue and aid the afflicted in Assam. “ PM Shri @narendramodi Ji stands firmly with the people of Assam and is committed to providing all possible assistance to the state in these challenging times.,” Shah said.



  • Meanwhile, Bihar is also grappling with rising water levels in its rivers due to continuous rainfall and inflow from Nepal. The Kosi River is flowing above the danger level in Supaul and Basantpur, while the Gandak has breached the red mark in Gopalganj, PTI reported. In East and West Champaran districts, authorities have relocated residents from low-lying areas to safer locations. According to PTI, state officials noted, “The incessant rain has caused rivers and streams to overflow, and the water levels in many dams have risen significantly.”


  • In Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, the water level of the Saryu River is increasing rapidly after heavy rain in the city, news agency ANI reported.



  • The heavy downpour has also affected Himachal Pradesh, where several districts, including Kangra, have experienced rainfall exceeding 200 mm. The torrential rain has led to the closure of 150 roads and disrupted 334 transformers and 55 water supply schemes, as per PTI. The Met office in Shimla has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for thunderstorms and lightning until July 12.


  • Rajasthan has not been spared either, with Shahabad in Baran district recording 195 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. Other areas, including Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Tonk, and Baran, have also seen significant rainfall. According to PTI, Met officials reported, “Shahabad was the wettest place in eastern Rajasthan, while Parbatsar in Nagaur district recorded 71 mm of rainfall.”


  • In Karnataka, the monsoon has brought mixed results. Despite heavy rain in many regions, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre noted a deficit in rainfall across several hoblis. The state recorded 266 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 6, classifying it in the 'normal' category for the southwest monsoon. However, from July 1 to 6, Karnataka received 63 mm of rainfall, a 27 per cent increase from the normal, placing it in the 'excess' category, PTI reported.


As monsoon rains continue to batter various regions, the affected states are on high alert, with rescue and relief operations in full swing.