As per National Commission on Floods, around 39.58% of total land area of Assam is flood-prone area.

Factors behind frequent floods in Assam

• Monsoon Rainfall: Approximately 85% of annual rainfall in Brahmaputra basin takes place during monsoon months, leading to floods.
• High discharge: More than 50 tributaries feed Brahmaputra and Barak River leading to high discharge and annual flooding.
• Bank erosion: High rate of bank erosion due to high discharge and velocity of Brahmaputra River leading to shifting course and flooding.
• Seismic Active Zone: Earthquakes and landslides push sediments and debris into rivers, which further raise riverbed and increase floods risk.  
• Other: Man-made factors like deforestation, hill cutting, encroachments and destruction of wetlands have worsened flood situation.

Impacts of Flood 

• Loss of life, property and farmland due to riverbank erosion, etc.
• Disrupt transportation routes and commercial supplies, and pollute drinking water systems.
• Damage vegetation and impact wildlife habitat, flora and fauna.

Initiatives for Flood Prevention

• Flood Early Warning Systems to disseminate information and issue timely alerts to public.
• Flood Management program to prevent erosion and improve drainage in flood prone areas.
• National Disaster Management authority guidelines on flood management.