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Considered a normal phenomenon in Assam, flooding is received with 'reduced sense of urgency'

By Yezdani Rahman* 
Assam is one of the most flood-prone regions in the country. Floods occur annually during the monsoon season due to the overflow of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. These floods have been a recurring disaster for decades, with major incidents recorded almost every year since the 1950s.
The floods in Assam have caused extensive damage over the years. Since 2002, Assam has suffered economic losses of over ₹16,346 crore (approximately $2 billion) due to floods. These floods have also resulted in significant human loss, with over 1,500 lives lost during this period​​. Major flood years include 1988, 1998, and 2004, with the 2004 floods alone affecting 12.4 million people and causing substantial damage to crops, homes, and infrastructure​​.
The state government's measures to combat floods include constructing embankments and flood walls, river training, and anti-erosion works, but the challenges remain significant due to natural and human factors contributing to the floods​​.
In 2024, Assam faced another severe flood, affecting over 18.8 lakh people across 27 districts. The floods claimed 72 lives and submerged vast areas, including 49,014 hectares of cropland. The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries flow above danger levels, exacerbating the situation. This year's deluge also impacted Kaziranga National Park, causing the death of 137 animals​.
One major issue is that frequent flooding in Assam has become normalized, leading to a reduced sense of urgency in addressing the issue. Media coverage often focuses on more dramatic or less frequent disasters, resulting in Assam's floods receiving less attention. This normalization has led to the perception of these floods as low to medium-level disasters, despite their devastating impact on lives, property, and the economy​​. Effective communication, increased media attention, and public awareness campaigns are crucial to highlight the severity of the situation and ensure appropriate responses and resources are allocated.
To break free from this perpetual crisis, the state must shift its focus from mere relief and recovery to building long-term resilience.

Needed: Holistic disaster management cycle for building resilience

Addressing Assam's annual floods requires a comprehensive approach within the disaster management cycle: response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. Response is the immediate phase post-disaster, focusing on providing urgent aid such as food, shelter, and medical care to those affected. Recovery follows, aiming to rebuild and repair damages, restore essential services, and improve infrastructure and livelihoods. Effective recovery not only restores what was lost but also builds back better, reducing future vulnerabilities.
Mitigation aims to reduce long-term disaster risks through proactive measures. Investing in  afforestation, landslide mitigation, and water bodies rejuvenation can significantly lessen future flood impacts. Preparedness involves anticipating hazards and developing plans to minimize their effects, including training, drills, and stockpiling supplies. A well-prepared community can respond more effectively to disasters, reducing loss of life and property.
While all phases are crucial, a strong emphasis on mitigation and preparedness is essential to break free from the cycle of destruction. Investing in mitigation and preparedness can yield substantial savings in the long run by reducing the costs associated with disaster response. For instance, every $7 spent on mitigation and preparedness, you save $7 in response costs.

Flood relief and resilience work

SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), a 30 year old organization undertook significant efforts in the Cachar district of Assam, particularly during the 2022 floods. SEEDS initiatives included the installation of terra water filters, which have been instrumental in providing clean drinking water to flood-affected communities. Additionally, SEEDS has been active in emergency response and long-term rehabilitation efforts in Cachar. 
During the 2022 floods, which affected over 200,000 people, SEEDS provided immediate relief and worked towards building flood-resilient infrastructure. This holistic approach includes community engagement and capacity-building programs, empowering locals with knowledge and tools to better prepare for and respond to future floods.
During my visit to Karimganj, Assam, in early August 2024, I found that while 75% of the floodwater had receded, 70% of the district remained submerged, with floodwaters reaching up to 10 feet in some areas. Boats and rafts were the only means of transportation. My estimate suggests it would take at least 25 days for the water to fully recede from inhabited areas, with agricultural lands potentially remaining flooded until next summer. 
The floods severely had impacted local livelihoods, disrupting agriculture and daily labor, and forced residents to resort to high-interest loans. Education was also significantly affected, with schools inundated and the academic year reduced from 200 to around 140-160 days, particularly concerning in this economically disadvantaged district. There appeared urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address both immediate and long-term challenges in the region.
Normalization of low and medium level disasters had led to negligence of so many lives. It is important to shift focus towards better disaster mitigation strategies to save as many lives as possible. By emphasizing resilience over mere relief, we can transform Assam's recurring flood challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and a safer future for its residents. Building long-term resilience is not just a necessity but a responsibility to ensure that the devastating impacts of floods are minimized and communities are better prepared for future disasters.
---
*SEEDS incident commander

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