Flooding in northeastern India and Bangladesh (January 2024)
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Severe flooding across northeastern India and Bangladesh in January 2024 displaced millions and caused widespread damage, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. Teh floods were triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall combined with overflowing rivers.
The monsoon season, which typically runs from June to october, saw unusually prolonged and intense rainfall in the region. This, coupled with already saturated ground from previous rains, led to rapid river swelling and widespread inundation. the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries were particularly affected, breaching embankments and submerging vast areas of land.
As of January 26, 2024, over 9.5 million people were affected across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur in India, and across several districts in Bangladesh. ReliefWeb reported that over 200 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced,seeking shelter in relief camps.
impact on Assam, India
Assam bore the brunt of the flooding, with 32 of its 33 districts affected. The state government reported important damage to crops, particularly rice and jute, threatening food security. Infrastructure,including roads,bridges,and power lines,suffered extensive damage,disrupting transportation and communication.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) established over 500 relief camps to provide shelter,food,and medical assistance to displaced populations. The ASDMA website provides ongoing updates on the flood situation and relief efforts.
On January 20,2024,the Assam government announced a relief package of ₹200 crore (approximately $24 million USD) to support flood-affected communities. The Hindu reported on the announcement, detailing the allocation of funds for various relief measures.
Impact on Bangladesh
Bangladesh also experienced severe flooding, particularly in the northern and northeastern districts. The Jamuna and Teesta rivers overflowed, inundating villages and agricultural land.The floods exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in a country prone to natural disasters.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief coordinated relief efforts, distributing food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.The Ministry’s official website provides data on disaster preparedness and response.
According to the ReliefWeb report, approximately 1.5 million people were affected in Bangladesh, with significant damage to crops and livestock. The report also highlighted the risk of waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources.
Long-Term Concerns and Mitigation Efforts
The January 2024 floods underscore the increasing vulnerability of northeastern india and Bangladesh to extreme weather events, likely exacerbated by climate change. Experts emphasize the need for improved flood forecasting systems, strengthened infrastructure, and enduring land management practices.
Both India and Bangladesh are investing in flood mitigation projects, including the construction of embankments, drainage improvements, and river dredging. Though, these efforts are frequently enough hampered by funding constraints and logistical challenges.
A study by the World Bank, published in December 2023, highlighted the potential for increased flooding in the region due to climate change, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation measures. the report estimates that climate change coudl displace millions in the region by 2050.
