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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox flood
| name = 2020 Assam floods
| duration = May 2020{{snd}}August 2020<br /> ({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=05|day1=|year1=2020|month2=|day2=|year2=}})
| total fatalities = 149
| areas affected = Assam, India:
* 30 out of [[List of districts of Assam|33 districts]]
* 5,474 out of 26,395 villages
| cause = Heavy [[monsoon]] rains
| image = India Assam locator map.svg
| caption = State of Assam in north-east India
| website = [http://sdmassam.nic.in/ sdmassam.nic.in]
}}'''2020 Assam floods''' refers to the significant flood event of the [[Brahmaputra River]] in the Indian north-eastern state of [[Assam]] and coincided with the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Initial flooding started in May 2020 due to heavy rainfall affecting 30,000 and destroying crops across 5 districts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2020|title=Assam flood situation worsens, over 30,000 in 5 districts affected|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-flood-situation-worsens-over-30-000-in-5-districts-affected/story-b44R19xqhsgMJY1JRMVvtM.html|access-date=15 July 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Assam: Water level of Brahmaputra river continues to swell, 5 districts affected by floods|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/assam-water-level-of-brahmaputra-river-continues-to-swell-5-districts-affected-by-floods/597072|access-date=15 July 2020|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref> As of October 2020 the floods affected over five million people, claiming the lives of 123 people, with an additional 26 deaths due to landslides, 5474 villages were affected and over one hundred and fifty thousand people found refuge in relief camps.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Assam State Disasters Management Authority|url=http://www.asdma.gov.in/cumulative_reports.html|access-date=2020-10-29|website=www.asdma.gov.in}}</ref>

== Background ==
Due to its [[tropical monsoon climate]], the state of [[Assam]] is prone to annual flooding. While the monsoons are important for the largely agriculture dependent regional economy, they now cause annually recurring destruction of infrastructure, crops, livelihoods and loss of lives.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-04|title=Explained: Why monsoon is so important for the Indian Economy|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/explained-why-monsoon-is-so-important-for-the-indian-economy/1192659/|access-date=2020-10-23|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-10|title=Heavy rains and flooding hit large parts of Asia|url=https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/heavy-rains-and-flooding-hit-large-parts-of-asia|access-date=2020-10-23|website=World Meteorological Organization|language=en}}</ref> Although annual precipitation is declining, daily rainfall data shows an increase in extreme rainfall events, leading to extreme flooding in Assam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-18|title=Assam rainfall trend story|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/average-monsoon-rain-is-going-down-but-extreme-flooding-is-increasing/story-hheb172oSng006cWiE7sYN.html|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Higher temporal and spatial variability of rainfall across the regions has been attributed to the [[effects of climate change|impact of climate change]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2015-11-01|title=Effect of climate change on seasonal monsoon in Asia and its impact on the variability of monsoon rainfall in Southeast Asia|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S167498711400036X|journal=Geoscience Frontiers|language=en|volume=6|issue=6|pages=817–823|doi=10.1016/j.gsf.2014.02.009|issn=1674-9871|doi-access=free}}</ref>[[File:Monsoon rainfall July 2020 (NASA Earth Observatory).jpg|alt=NASA Earth Observatory captured excessive rainfall during the month of July 2020 particularly in Assam (India) and other parts of South and East Asia. Dark red indicating amounts of 80 to 100 centimeters and above. |thumb|Accumulated monsoon rains during July 2020 over Assam, South and East Asia |262x262px]]During the 2020 monsoon season, particularly high rainfall was experienced across central, north, and northeast India, with 15 centimeters more rainfall than usual by the middle of July.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-22|title=Excessive Monsoon Rains Flood Asia|url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/147006/excessive-monsoon-rains-flood-asia|access-date=2020-10-24|website=earthobservatory.nasa.gov|language=en}}</ref> The reason for the excess rainfall is attributed to [[Madden–Julian oscillation]], thereby causing prolonged break-monsoon conditions which decreases the rainfall in North West India and increases it in North East India.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 July 2020|title=India monsoon progress and outlook|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/international/india-monsoon-progress-and-outlook/778223|access-date=22 July 2020|website=Accuweather}}</ref>

By 21 July, the meteorological subdivision of Assam and Meghalaya had received rainfall of 1,164mm as compared to normal rainfall of 894mm during the period, an excess of nearly 30%. The catchment areas of nearby states, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim also received excess rainfall nearly to the tune of 16% and 45% respectively aggravating the flood situation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 July 2020|title=IMD hydro-meteorology|url=http://hydro.imd.gov.in/hydrometweb/(S(bn4mr3j3gq0ilk45zitzlo45))/PdfPageImage.aspx?imgUrl=PRODUCTS\Rainfall_Maps\Cumulative\Subdivision_Rainfall_Map\SUBDIVISION_RAINFALL_MAP_COUNTRY_INDIA_cd.JPG&landingpage=landing|access-date=22 July 2020|website=IMD}}</ref>

Into October 2020, although the situation began to improve with the number of people affected reduced to 135,000 the state was still affected by prolonged flooding, with 315 villages still submerged.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Assam flood situation improves as number of affected people reduces to 1.35 lakh|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/oct/04/assam-flood-situation-improves-as-number-of-affected-people-reduces-to-135-lakh-2205788.html|access-date=2020-10-24|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Damages and potential long term effects ==
Flooding and subsequent landslides have caused damage to bridges, government buildings, roads, embankments and schools.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Assam Floods: 2.83 Lakh People in 8 Districts Still Affected; 117 Relief Camps Set Up {{!}} The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel {{!}} weather.com|url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/monsoon/news/false|access-date=2020-10-20|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-IN}}</ref> The government has announced funding of 3.46 billion [[Indian rupee|Indian Rupees]] ($42 million) for repairs and aid to the region.<ref>{{Cite web|last=StoriesAsia|title=Assam Devastated by Floods Again|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/07/assam-devastated-by-floods-again/|access-date=2020-10-20|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to this aid, the central government, according to Chief Minister [[Sarbananda Sonowal]], has "committed to passing an ordinance to set up North East Water Management Authority, to address flood and erosion problems" with more permanent solutions as an attempt to stop future monsoon seasons from being so devastating.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Bikash|title=Assam floods: Central government to pass ordinance to set up North East Water Management Authority|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/assam-floods-central-government-to-pass-ordinance-to-set-up-north-east-water-management-authority/articleshow/77131854.cms|access-date=2020-10-21}}</ref>

Millions of people living in the flooded area rely on crops and livestock to provide for their families.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-08-02|title=Assam Floods Has Had A Significant Impact On Humans And Its Wild Animals|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/assam-floods-covid-19_in_5f23d367c5b68fbfc8818960|access-date=2020-10-20|website=HuffPost India|language=en}}</ref> The flooding began just before harvest and has caused destruction to more than 267,203 [[Hectare|hectares]] of crops and more than 45,000 domesticated animals have been forced to flee or be abandoned.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":02" /> <ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Assam State Disaster Management Authority|url=http://www.asdma.gov.in/cumulative_reports.html|access-date=2020-10-25|website=www.asdma.gov.in}}</ref>

Assam is home to important wildlife sanctuaries and [[World Heritage Site|World Heritage sites]] which have been damaged by the flooding.<ref name=":1" />[[Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary]] has India's highest population of [[Rhinoceros|rhinoceroses]] and at the height of the flooding 90% was impacted by flood waters.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=As Floods Wash Over Assam, State Government Left Facing a Cascade of Disasters|url=https://thewire.in/environment/assam-floods-covid-19-japanese-encephalitis|access-date=2020-10-20|website=The Wire}}</ref> [[Kaziranga National Park]] has also been affected with more than 150 wild animals rescued and 125 animals, including 12 rhinoceros have died.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

== Relief efforts ==
Leadership in disaster management and relief operations is ensured by the [https://asdma.assam.gov.in/ Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)] in accordance with India's [[Disaster Management Act, 2005|Disaster Management Act of 2005]].<ref name=":5" /> As of 14 October 2020 a total 627 relief camps and 1662 relief distribution centers were set by up ASDMA, including hygiene and isolation measures for COVID-19 pandemic infected persons.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Home {{!}} Assam State Disaster Management Authority {{!}} Government Of Assam, India|url=https://asdma.assam.gov.in/|access-date=2020-10-23|website=asdma.assam.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-16|title=Assam prepares for more floods amidst rising Covid cases|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-prepares-for-more-floods-amidst-rising-covid-cases-6461074/|access-date=2020-10-23|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Reduced carrying capacity of relief camps and difficulties in the provisioning of food and safe drinking water have been encountered.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-01|title=India’s northeast faces ‘twin disasters’: floods and the pandemic|url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2020/07/01/India-Assam-floods-coronavirus|access-date=2020-10-23|website=The New Humanitarian|language=en}}</ref>

Relief efforts have also been provided by NGOs including [[Indian Red Cross Society|Red Cross India]] who supplied [[Tarpaulin|tarpaulin sheets]], food and water and relief materials to flood affected communities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Volunteers are distributing tarpaulin, kitchen set, hygiene material etc.|url=http://indianredcrossassam.org/news/volunteers-are-distributing-tarpaulin-kitchen-set-hygiene-material-etc/|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Indian Red Cross {{!}} Assam State Branch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Disaster Risk Reduction|url=https://igsss.org/disaster-risk-reduction|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Indo-Global Social Service Society|language=en-US}}</ref> In preparation for the annual flooding, Red Cross India increased stocks of aid packages across the state to ensure timely and efficient response to flood affected families.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Supporting Communities Affected by Floods in Assam - India|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/supporting-communities-affected-floods-assam|access-date=2020-10-23|website=ReliefWeb|language=en}}</ref> [[Oxfam India]] and other NGOs have however called attention to the challenges of COVID-19 and extensive flooding, increasing vulnerabilities of displaced people and minority communities who took refuge on embankments and makeshift shelters.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=State Wise Floods in India {{!}} Oxfam India|url=https://www.oxfamindia.org/node/9662|access-date=2020-10-23|website=www.oxfamindia.org|language=en}}</ref>

Post-disaster response by ASDMA includes compensation schemes for homestead losses, infrastructure repair together with an Asian Development Bank and World Bank funded embankment and flood risk reduction program.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Asian Development Bank (ADB)|date=2018-12-07|title=Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Program - Project 2|url=https://www.adb.org/projects/38412-033/main|access-date=2020-10-27|website=Asian Development Bank|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sarkar|first=Subhradipta|last2=Sarma|first2=Archana|date=2006|title=Disaster Management Act, 2005: A Disaster in Waiting?|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4418643|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=35|pages=3760–3763|issn=0012-9976}}</ref> Despite government efforts in disaster risk reduction, the dual effect of flooding and Covid-19 related job-losses increase distress and poverty of around 70% of the population, whose livelihoods are agriculture dependent and are not eligible for compensation without formal documentation or land rights.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mahanta|first=Ratul|last2=Das|first2=Daisy|date=2017-04-14|title=Flood induced vulnerability to poverty: Evidence from Brahmaputra Valley, Assam, India|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2212420916302692|journal=International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction|language=en|volume=24|pages=451–461|doi=10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.04.014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Livelihoods Tracking System {{!}} Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM)|url=http://assamlivelihoods.in/agriculture.aspx|access-date=2020-10-30|website=assamlivelihoods.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-02|title=Assam Floods: Lost lives, livelihood, citizenship documents|url=https://cjp.org.in/assam-floods-lost-lives-livelihood-citizenship-documents/|access-date=2020-10-30|website=CJP|language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Health challenges ==
Diseases such as [[Dengue fever|Dengue]], [[Malaria]] and [[Japanese encephalitis|Japanese Encephalitis]] are likely to increase in stagnant water left by receding floods.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=17.5 million affected by floods and threatened by disease in South Asia - India|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/175-million-affected-floods-and-threatened-disease-south-asia|access-date=2020-11-01|website=ReliefWeb|language=en}}</ref> Treatment of these diseases have been hindered by fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions have hampered the efforts to destroy mosquito breeding sites and awareness-raising among at-risk populations.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=WHO {{!}} Water-related Diseases|url=http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/malaria/en/|access-date=2020-10-31|website=WHO}}</ref> Resources available to the population have been obstructed due to infrastructure failures, causing difficulties of access for medical professionals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Assam Health Workers "Borrow" Boats To Reach To Flood-Victims Amid COVID|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-floods-health-workers-borrow-boats-to-reach-out-flood-victims-2267910|access-date=2020-10-29|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Government flood reporting dated 14 October 2020 established a total of 149 deaths resulting from floods and landslides.<ref name=":4" /> Accidental drowning of children constitutes a reported 44.5% of these deaths caused by children often misjudging the strength of the currents.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2020-08-04|title=Assam floods: Children account for 44.5 per cent of deaths|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-floods-children-account-for-44-5-per-cent-of-deaths-6537694/|access-date=2020-10-30|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Women and children are among the most affected by the floods, unable to access clean water and hygiene supplies to prevent the spread of disease.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Millions of children affected by devastating flooding in South Asia, with many more at risk as COVID-19 brings further challenges|url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/millions-children-affected-devastating-flooding-south-asia-many-more-risk-covid-19|access-date=2020-10-30|website=www.unicef.org|language=en}}</ref>

With over 200,000 COVID-19 cases reported in Assam, the spread of the virus has been exacerbated by the flooding with many not willing to relocate to relief camps thereby affecting relief efforts.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Centre|first=National Informatics|title=Covid 19 Dashboard – Government of Assam|url=https://covid19.assam.gov.in/|access-date=2020-10-24}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news|last=correspondent|first=Hannah Ellis-Petersen South Asia|date=2020-07-20|title=Flooding in Assam and Nepal kills hundreds and displaces millions|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/20/flooding-assam-nepal-displaces-millions-coronavirus|access-date=2020-10-24|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|date=2020-08-02|title=Assam Floods Has Had A Significant Impact On Humans And Its Wild Animals|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/assam-floods-covid-19_in_5f23d367c5b68fbfc8818960|access-date=2020-10-24|website=HuffPost India|language=en}}</ref>

== Lessons learned ==
As a result of the yearly monsoon related destruction, the South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System (South Asia FFGS) was launched on 23 October 2020 by the [[World Meteorological Organization]]. The system will strengthen coordination of disaster risk reduction and preparedness in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka through forecasts and early warnings of dangers related to [[Flash flood|flash floods]] with the hope of lessening the loss of life and damage to property.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2020-10-23|title=South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System Launched|url=https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/south-asia-flash-flood-guidance-system-launched|access-date=2020-10-24|website=World Meteorological Organization|language=en}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Brahmaputra floods]]
* [[2020 China floods]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
[https://whc.unesco.org/en/ UNESCO World Heritage]

[https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/south-asia-flash-flood-guidance-system-launched World Meteorological Organization]

{{#seo:
|keywords=Floods in India, 2020s in Assam, Brahmaputra River
|description=
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[[Category:Floods in India]]
[[Category:2020 floods|Assam floods]]
[[Category:2020s in Assam]]
[[Category:Brahmaputra River]]

{{Assam-stub}}
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2020 Assam floods - Revision history

MetaBOT at 20:15, 8 July 2023