National News: Natural calamities continue to haunt Northeast India year after year. Heavy floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in many states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, have disrupted life. On Thursday, there was a slight improvement in Assam, but the situation is still far from normal. So far, more than 50 people have lost their lives in Assam and Arunachal alone, while more than 1500 villages are badly affected.
Situation dire in Assam, Kaziranga submerged
As per the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the death toll in the state has reached 21. More than 5.6 lakh people are affected by floods in 12 districts of the state. The worst affected is Sribhumi district, where 215,000 people are affected.
Assam's pride Kaziranga National Park has also been submerged, posing a serious threat to wildlife. Rail services have been disrupted due to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Many short-distance trains have been cancelled, while some long-distance trains have been limited to operating.
Landslides wreak havoc in Arunachal Pradesh
The situation in Arunachal Pradesh continues to remain grim. Over 33,000 people across 24 districts have been affected by floods and landslides, with 481 houses damaged and 432 cattle reported dead. In the last 24 hours, incidents of landslides have been reported at many places, killing 9 people, while another 3 people died in different disasters.
Army took charge; 'Operation Jalrahat' continues
In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched 'Operation Jalrahat' in the entire area. Hundreds of soldiers, rescue boats, and helicopters are engaged in relief work. Thousands of people have been evacuated to safer places, but people are still stranded in remote areas.
Is this a sign of climate crisis?
Experts believe that such frequent disasters are not just weather waves but a direct warning of climate change. The intensity of floods and landslides has increased in Assam, Arunachal, and Mizoram in the past years. Rivers like the Brahmaputra are constantly in spate, which is a dangerous sign for both urban and rural areas.
