The northeastern state of Assam, India, recently witnessed a devastating flood, affecting over 40,000 people residing in various regions. The continuous rainfall over the past few days led to the submergence of numerous low-lying areas. Among the worst affected districts are Biswanath, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Majuli, Nalbari, and Tinsukia. As the state grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, neighboring Bhutan is also taking necessary precautions due to the reservoir scouring operation at the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant.
The recent spate of flood in Assam has caused significant distress among the local population. The incessant rainfall led to the overflow of rivers and the subsequent submergence of low-lying areas. As a result, more than 40,000 people have been affected by this natural disaster. The floodwaters have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, houses, and agricultural lands, disrupting the lives of numerous individuals.
The flood has impacted several districts in Assam, with some bearing the brunt more severely than others. The most affected areas include Biswanath, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Majuli, Nalbari, and Tinsukia. These regions have witnessed significant inundation, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents and widespread destruction.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a total of 179 villages across 19 revenue circles are currently underwater. Additionally, approximately 2,211.99 hectares of cropland have been damaged throughout Assam. The districts of Dhemaji and Chirang have been particularly affected, with 17,604 and 14,328 people affected, respectively.
The ASDMA has reported that several rivers in Assam are flowing above the danger level. Among them are Beki, Disang, and Brahmaputra at various locations such as Road Bridge, Nanglamuraghat, Dhubri, Neamatighat, and more. In response, the local administration is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the affected population and mitigate further damage.
Meanwhile, in Bhutan, the Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) operates the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant in the eastern part of the country. To maintain the plant’s efficiency and functionality, periodic reservoir scouring is necessary. The DGPC has scheduled a scouring operation for the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant on July 14.
In preparation for the scouring process, the DGPC plans to release water from the reservoir in a controlled manner starting from 00:00 Hrs on July 14, 2023. The release is expected to conclude by 9:00 Hrs on the same day. The purpose of this operation is to remove sediment and debris that may have accumulated within the reservoir, ensuring the smooth functioning of the hydropower plant.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, was informed by the Royal Government of Bhutan about the excess release of water from the Kurichhu Dam. To prevent any potential damage caused by the increased water flow, the district administrations in Assam have been alerted to remain vigilant and provide necessary assistance to the affected population in case the water breaches the Beki and Manas rivers.
The recent flood in Assam has had a severe impact on the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people. The overflowing rivers and continuous rainfall have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands. Simultaneously, the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant in Bhutan is undergoing a reservoir scouring operation to maintain its efficiency. Both incidents highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and effective water management in the region.