Assam, a northeastern state in India, is facing a dire climate crisis, primarily manifested in devastating annual floods that impact millions of its residents. Among the most affected regions is Lakhimpur district, where villages along riverbanks bear the brunt of these natural disasters.
The resilient Mising tribe, predominantly settled near the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, has adapted to these recurring floods by constructing flood-proof bamboo houses known as Chang Ghars, elevated over five feet from the ground. Despite these precautions, the annual monsoon rains still inundate their lives, contaminating water sources and creating severe challenges in accessing clean drinking water.
Moreover, inadequate sanitation facilities force residents to use boats to reach the river, posing health risks. Education is also disrupted, with schools frequently closed for one to two months each year due to floods in Assam, leaving parents concerned about their children’s academic progress.
Agriculture, the backbone of rural livelihoods, suffers as crops are submerged, compelling some farmers to migrate in search of employment opportunities. Government support, though sporadic in the past, has been insufficient this year, underscoring the urgent need for sustained assistance and comprehensive strategies to combat the climate change-induced Assam floods. Immediate action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of affected communities and address the broader climate change challenges in the region.
Also Read: “Assam’s worst flood in four decades”
Ashwini Kumar Shukla is a journalist based in Jharkhand. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and writes about rural India, gender, society and culture.
Edited by: Novita Singh
