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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.
Way Forward
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