More than 170,000 affected by floods in India’s Assam state

More than 170,000 people have been affected by flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in India’s northeastern state of Assam, NDTV reported.

According to the broadcaster, the floods have impacted 12 districts, 30 administrative circles and 580 villages. 

The worst-hit areas are the districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat, where residential areas have been inundated and embankments and railway lines have been damaged. More than 10,000 hectares of agricultural land have also been flooded.

In the city of Guwahati, floodwaters entered homes, damaging furniture and household appliances. Many families have been unable to prepare food after their kitchens were submerged. 

The high water levels have also disrupted rail services, with several train routes cancelled, shortened or diverted. Rescue operations are under way, involving the Indian Army, the Assam Rifles and the National Disaster Response Force. Dozens of boats have been deployed to evacuate residents stranded by the floods.