Nearly 500,000 people in northeast India are grappling with the devastating consequences of severe flooding, triggered by heavy rains that have transformed roads into waterways and submerged entire villages, CNN reports.
As of June 22, the state of Assam has borne the brunt of the disaster, with over 495,000 individuals affected across 22 districts.
Torrential rainfall in the region has caused the river Beki, which flows through Assam, to overflow, leading to extensive flooding. In response, approximately 14,000 people have been evacuated to relief camps to ensure their safety. As of now, the state authorities confirmed at least one dead as a result of the flooding.
Visuals captured on local TV depict villagers wading through neck-deep muddy waters alongside their livestock, while homes, shops, and vehicles remain submerged in the flood. Assam, with a population exceeding 31mn, frequently experiences heavy rain and flooding during India's monsoon season, which typically persists from April to September. Last year, the state witnessed the loss of 10 lives due to similar flooding and landslides.
The current flooding crisis arrives on the heels of tropical cyclone Biparjoy's impact on India's west coast just a week prior. The cyclone caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees and causing electricity poles to topple. As northern India contends with relentless heat, two of the country's most populous states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are currently experiencing a scorching heat wave. Temperatures soared to a sweltering 47 degrees Celsius over the weekend, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
Health authorities are issuing multiple warnings and developing strategies to address the health risks associated with the prolonged heat wave. The scorching temperatures are expected to persist throughout the upcoming week, further intensifying concerns and prompting authorities to take necessary measures to mitigate heat-related health issues.
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