India: Floods in Assam affect 1.7 million and kill 44 /update 1

Event

At least 44 people were killed over the past three weeks of non-stop heavy rain that triggered flash floods and landslides in Assam state.

Over 1.7 million people have been affected in 24 districts and more than 31,000 refugees are lodged in over 230 relief camps in 15 of the 24 flooded districts. Majuli district and Kaziranga National Park are among the worst-affected areas.

Reports of rain receding in eastern parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states have authorities hopeful that flood levels will decrease in the coming days.

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 city of 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.