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Assam floods: Death toll rises to 29, over 19 lakh affected as the mighty Brahmaputra overflows

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 31 July 2016, 12:43 IST

The death toll in flood-ravaged Assam has risen to 29. Over 19 lakh people have been affected by the floods, which have inundated over 20 districts.

More than 3,300 villages have been affected as the Brahmaputra levels rose well above the danger mark.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Assam on 30 July along with Ministers of State Kiren Rijiju and Jitendra Singh. Singh, who conducted an aerial survey of Assam, said, "People of Assam are satisfied with state action".

Also Read: Floods claim 27 lives in Assam; Rajnath Singh conducts aerial survey

However, residents have accused the BJP government of not responding in time.

According to The Assam Tribune, the break-up of the crop damage is as follows:

  • Sali paddy: 1,02, 273 hectares
  • Bao paddy: 12,955 hectares
  • Boro paddy: 825 hectares
  • Early ahu paddy: 1,742 hectares
  • Regular ahu paddy: 320 hectares

Also Read: 19 lakh hit in Assam, 25 lakh in Bihar; 51 people dead in floods so far

In terms of cropland, Barpeta remains the worst-affected district, accounting for an area of 23,871.5 hectares, followed by Sonitpur (19,405 hectares), Jorhat (15,525.44 hectares), Dhemaji (14,302 hectares) and Lakhimpur (13,255 hectares).

Also Read: Flood situation worsens in Assam, human and animal life in danger

As per official data, 10,045 hectares of vegetables, 15,089 hectares of jute, 1,263 hectares of maize, 110 hectares of pulses, 449 hectares of sugarcanes and various other crops over 5,706 hectares have been submerged by the floodwaters.

The actual extent of crop damage can only be ascertained after the water levels recede.

Over Rs 33,000 crore has been spent on flood management in Assam since 1954. However, the annual phenomenon continues to devastate the state despite efforts.

Also Read: Army deployed for flood-relief operations in Assam and Bihar

"Nine army columns deployed for floor relief in Assam & Bihar. 2000+ rescued. Brahmaputra breach being plugged," the Army tweeted.

First published: 31 July 2016, 12:43 IST