Background:
With the monsoon not even reaching many parts of India, Assam reeling under a major flood with death toll rising above 91 in 22 districts. About 20 lakhs people were affected and displaced due to incessant rainfall with the rise of water level of River Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
In Sonitpur, the flood water entered in the area on 26th June night and increases the water level by 28th June, which submerged most of the villages under Sootea block since then. The flood water affected about 58 villages stayed till 30th June before receding gradually. The main reasons for floods in the district is the breaching of 50 mts long Biswanathghath-Panpur dyke.
Assessments:
EHA assessment team visited three affected villages namely Panpur Ghat- 1200 household comprising of Panpor, Panpur Hokoma, Singali and Mora; Gosai Chapori-I & II– about 300 household and Paspatipal- 80 household. Team also visited relief camps in Sootea. Some of the families are taking shelter in the elevated place in their village by setting up temporary shelter by themselves.
Villagers confirmed death of 17 people from Gosai Chapori surrounding area and the villages are still under the water. The team also saw carcass floating on the river and in the flood water elsewhere.
Villagers shared that initial relief materials was distributed to the families staying in the villages. The relief materials includes: Rice, Dal, Salt, Chura, Water bottle, Biscuit, Turmeric powder, Potato, Nutrela, Horlicks, Dettol Soap and some tarpaulin sheets. The relief materials were initially distributedon the daily basis and to some area air dropped.
The team also met Govt. Medical surveillance team in the villages and also the team based in the Relief Camp. Till now there is no major health issue reported. The common cases are fever, backache, cough and few dysentery, but the medical team expressed concerns about the possibility of outbreak of water borne diseases due to possible water contamination.
According to media report, people in the affected areas have reported this as the worst flood in Assam in more than a decade while major political parties calling this as a national calamity. The visit of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh along with UPA Chairman Mrs. Sonia Gandhi led to release of Rs.500 crores relief fund.
Intervention & Our Focus Area:
-
Sootea (Chutia) Block. Naduar Revenue Circle.
-
District Sonitpur. State Assam.
-
Focused Area: Naduar Revenue Circle.
-
Estimated Affected Population in Naduar : 127, 000.
-
No. of villages to be covered by EHA's Emergency Medical Response : 20.