Assam Flood 2024 Case Study for Disaster Management UPSC CSE

In this article, we will discuss the Assam flood case study for Disaster Management UPSC CSE.

Background and Impact

• The recent floods in Assam, occurring in July 2024, have severely impacted the region
• Torrential rains led to widespread flooding, affecting over 2.4 million people across 30 districts
• Death toll has risen to 72, with significant damage to infrastructure and displacement of populations

Key Areas Affected

• Districts: 27 out of Assam's 35 districts affected
• Rivers: Nine major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Subansiri, and Barak, have overflowed
• Agriculture: Approximately 49,014 hectares of cropland submerged, threatening food security and livelihoods

Environmental Impact

• Kaziranga National Park reported deaths of 137 animals, including rhinos
• Many parts of the park remain inundated, complicating conservation efforts

Government and Political Response

Relief and Rescue Operations

• Relief Camps:
  • Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) set up 245 relief camps
  • Providing shelter to over 48,000 displaced individuals
  • Offering essential supplies like food, water, and medical assistance
• Rescue Missions:
  • Multiple operations underway involving local authorities and disaster response teams
  • Aim to evacuate people from inundated areas and ensure their safety

Infrastructure and Logistics

• Transportation:
  • Efforts to restore and maintain critical transportation routes
  • Clearing roads and repairing damaged infrastructure
• Healthcare:
  • Medical teams deployed to provide immediate healthcare services
  • Working to prevent waterborne diseases and provide necessary medical care

Environmental Management

• Wildlife Protection:
  • Efforts to rescue and protect wildlife, especially in Kaziranga National Park
  • Measures taken to drain water from inundated areas and provide safe habitats

Future Preparedness

• Early Warning Systems:
  • Focus on improving systems for timely alerts
  • Better forecasting methods and communication strategies
• Infrastructure Upgrades:
  • Plans to upgrade infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events
  • Strengthening flood defenses and improving drainage systems

Lessons for Disaster Management

1. Early Warning Systems: Enhance systems for timely alerts to reduce flood impact
2. Infrastructure: Strengthen infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events
3. Community Preparedness: Educate and prepare communities for emergency responses
4. Inter-agency Coordination: Improve coordination among agencies for unified and effective approach
5. Long-term Planning: Develop strategies for sustainable river basin management and urban planning

The Assam floods of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.