First wave of floods hits Assam: Over 22,000 people across six districts affected

Assam, India, is grappling with its first wave of significant floods, impacting over 22,000 residents across six districts following relentless heavy rainfall in the state and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that Dhemaji district is the most severely affected, with 15,483 people enduring the rising water levels.

The deluge has submerged 96 villages and devastated approximately 1,690 hectares of agricultural land. Compounding the crisis, the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries have swollen, with the Disang River's water level exceeding the danger mark at Nanglamuraghat in Sivasagar district. The floods have also taken a toll on wildlife, affecting 48,199 animals.

Adding to the disruption, a railway bridge over the Simen River in Dhemaji district partially collapsed. A Northeast Frontier Railway official confirmed that excessive rainfall and subsequent bank erosion destabilized one of the bridge's piers, leading to the suspension of train operations between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations. While no trains or individuals were harmed, movement on the Murkongselek to Silapathar route remains halted indefinitely. Help desks have been established to assist passengers, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with local government bodies.

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On account of excessive rainfall of more than 110 mm in and around Dhemaji district of Assam and subsequent flooding and bank erosions affecting the railway bridge, the section between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations has been suspended for train operation.