The state of Assam in India is prone to floods and experiences devastating floods almost every year, causing loss of life, property, livestock and crops. In 2020, the state witnessed floods affecting nearly 2.8 million people across 27 districts. In anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season, the Centre and local authorities have undertaken the following measures to manage the flooding situation in Assam:

• Assam State Disaster Management Authority has been activated and is monitoring the flood situation in the state.
• The government is preparing to set up at least 700 relief camps across the state to help those affected by flooding.
• The Centre has released INR 346 crore for the state to manage the flood situation in Assam.
• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed 11 teams across the state, with eight more on standby in Odisha and Kolkata.
• The Assam government has activated 12 riverine villages for flood forecasting and early warnings.
• The government is also using drones and satellite mapping to monitor flooding in the state.
• Local authorities are working on the construction of embankments and river management, by removing encroachments and other obstacles to water flow.

These measures taken by the Centre and local authorities will help in the preparedness and management of the flooding situation in Assam, however, continuous efforts and coordination among different agencies will be required to minimize the loss of life and property during the upcoming monsoon season.