Monsoon Preparedness Amid Rainfall Surge in Assam

 

As the Southwest Monsoon makes an early entry into Assam, the state gears up for potential floods. With increased rainfall across the region, the government has activated a comprehensive response plan to safeguard lives and property.

 

Here’s a point-wise breakdown of Assam’s monsoon preparedness strategy:

 

1. State-Level Emergency Coordination

Chief Secretary Ravi Kota conducted a high-level review meeting.

All departments and agencies were instructed to maintain real-time coordination with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

 

2. Rapid Deployment of NDRF Teams

 

14 NDRF teams from the 1st Battalion deployed in flood-prone districts:

Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Jorhat

12th Battalion teams stationed in:

Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Sivasagar, Sonitpur

 

3. Strengthened Local Disaster Response

639 SDRF personnel with 299 rescue boats deployed across 58 key sites.

Local volunteers receiving emergency rescue training with NDRF support.

4. Urban Flood Control in Guwahati

De-silting of drains and activation of water pumps ordered by the Kamrup (Metro) administration.

Emergency control rooms now functional 24/7.

 

5. Safe Drinking Water & Hygiene Measures

 

The PHED is ensuring supply of clean drinking water and distributing chlorine tablets in affected areas.

 

Relief camps are being equipped with proper sanitation facilities.

 

6. Farmer Support & Crop Insurance

 

Farmers are being encouraged to enroll in the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

Flood-resistant crop varieties to be distributed along with temporary field protection.

 

7. Real-Time Weather Monitoring

 

The IMD provides daily rainfall alerts and warnings.

 

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Assam and Meghalaya until May 24.

 

8. District-Level Action Plans

District Commissioners tasked with:

Conducting mock drills

Identifying relief shelters

Stockpiling emergency supplies

 

 

Inter-district coordination ensures shared rescue resources.

 

9. Public Awareness & Helpline Promotion

 

Campaigns through radio, local news, and social media share flood safety tips.

 

Emergency helplines and contact numbers circulated widely.

 

10. Long-Term Flood Resilience Projects

 

Investments in permanent embankments, river dredging, and rainwater harvesting.

 

Partnership with ISRO & NESAC for satellite-based flood mapping and early warnings.

 

Conclusion

 

With a proactive and layered strategy, Assam is ready to face the challenges of this monsoon season. By combining technology, training, infrastructure, and public participation, the state aims to ensure safety and minimize disruptions during extreme weather events.