The onset of monsoon in northeast India was marked by the first wave of floods in Assam. Relentless rainfall has caused the Brahmaputra and its tributaries to overflow and inundate up to 2,800 hectares of crops, in the process affecting the homes and livelihood of over two lakh people.
Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts were the worst hit as the Brahmaputra flowed above the danger mark in Nimatighat (Jorhat) and Dhubri. Assam has been on high alert, as weather officials have forecasted torrential rainfall over the next two weeks.
"We are assessing the situation. The situation is still not that grim. We have made all arrangements to face the situation," a senior Government official said. The state revenue department also stated that they are trying to set up relief camps and supply relief materials to the affected areas.
The country has witnessed a slew of natural disasters in the recent times. Industry sources say that in spite of an increase in the occurrence of such calamities, very few Indian homeowners (less than 1%) have opted for the financial shield of home insurance.