CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1.1 Statement of the problem: Flood Hazard in Assam –

Assam faces a critical and recurring problem: devastating floods. These floods
cause immense damage to life, property, and infrastructure, significantly
impacting the state’s social and economic well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the problem:

• Frequency and Severity: Assam experiences floods almost every year, with
some years witnessing multiple flood waves. The severity of these floods can
vary significantly, but they often cause widespread inundation of agricultural
lands, villages, and urban areas.

• Causes: Multiple factors contribute to Assam’s flood vulnerability:

I. Heavy Monsoon Rainfall: The state receives a large amount of rainfall

during the monsoon season, which can overwhelm rivers and drainage
systems.
II. Riverine Flooding: The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries are major
sources of flooding. Erosion and sedimentation in these rivers further
exacerbate the problem.
III. Topographical Features: The vast, relatively flat Brahmaputra Valley allows
floodwaters to spread quickly and widely.
IV. Land Use Changes: Deforestation and encroachment on floodplains can
reduce natural water storage capacity and worsen flooding.

•Impacts: Floods in Assam have devastating consequences:

I. Loss of Life: People are displaced from their homes, and in severe cases,
lives are lost due to drowning or flood-related incidents.
II. Economic Disruption: Agricultural crops are destroyed, infrastructure is
damaged, and economic activity is hampered, leading to financial losses.
III. Health Risks: Floods can contaminate water sources, increase the spread
of waterborne diseases, and disrupt access to healthcare services.
IV. Social Disruption: Families are displaced, educational institutions are
closed, and overall social cohesion can be affected.
1
 Overall, the flood hazard in Assam is a complex and multifaceted problem with far-
reaching consequences. It demands urgent attention and a multi-pronged approach involving
mitigation, preparedness, and response strategies.

1.2 Objectives:
Building upon the problem statement, here are some key objectives to address the flood

hazard in Assam :

I. Reduce Flood Risk:

• Develop and implement comprehensive flood management plans at regional and local

levels.

• Invest in infrastructure projects like dams, embankments, and drainage systems to control

river flow and manage floodwaters effectively.

II. Enhance Preparedness and Response :

• Strengthen early warning systems to provide timely and accurate flood forecasts and

warnings to communities.

• Improve evacuation plans and establish well-equipped emergency shelters for displaced

populations.

III. Promote Long-Term Sustainability:

• Integrate flood risk management into development policies and planning processes.

• Invest in research and development of innovative flood mitigation technologies.

• Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices and infrastructure development.

IV. Minimize Socio-Economic Impact:

• Implement financial assistance programs to support affected communities and

businesses after floods.

• Ensure swift restoration of infrastructure and essential services following flood events.

2
1.3 Methodology:
Secondary data analysis involves using existing data collected by someone else for

a different purpose. It's a valuable research approach that can save time and resources

while offering insights into various topics.

Secondary data sources include –

• Government websites and reports (e.g., Assam State Disaster Management Authority)

• Academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, ScienceDirect)

• International organizations (e.g., World Bank, FAO)

• Non-profit organizations (e.g., environmental NGOs)

• Published research papers and reports on flood hazards in Assam

The Secondary data analysis in the aftermath of the floods in Assam, was carried out

in June 2022. The Secondary review was a desk study based on information available in

the media, Sphere India and Government situation reports, government sources,

feedbacks from local organisations working In the state, etc. For more detailed study a

preliminary Joint Rapid Needs Assessment (JRNA) will be Conducted by Sphere India and

its partners in the affected areas of the state.

3
1.4 Significance of the study:

Understanding and addressing the flood hazard in Assam is crucial for several reasons:

I. Saving Lives and Property: Floods are a major threat to human life and well-being in
Assam. By studying the causes and impacts of floods, we can develop effective
mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of fatalities, injuries, and displacement.

II. Protecting Livelihoods and Infrastructure: Floods cause significant economic

damage by destroying crops, disrupting businesses, and damaging infrastructure.
Studying flood patterns allows for better planning of infrastructure projects and the
promotion of flood-resilient agricultural practices, protecting livelihoods and promoting
economic stability.

III. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness and Response: Studying historical flood data,
river behavior, and weather patterns can improve flood forecasting and early warning
systems. This empowers communities to prepare and respond effectively, minimizing
losses and facilitating faster recovery.

IV. Informing Sustainable Development Practices: Understanding the relationship

between human activities and flood vulnerability is crucial. The study can inform land-
use planning, deforestation control, and floodplain management practices, promoting
sustainable development that minimizes flood risks.

V. Building Climate Resilience: Assam is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,

which may lead to more frequent and severe floods. Studying flood hazards helps us
understand how climate change might affect flood patterns and allows for the
development of climate-resilient strategies for the future.

4
 Overall, studying the flood hazard in Assam is not just about addressing an
immediate problem but about building a safer, more resilient future for the state. The
knowledge gained can inform policies, infrastructure development, and community
preparedness, ultimately leading to a reduction in flood-related risks and a more
sustainable future for Assam.

5
CHAPTER 2: STUDY AREA
2.1 Location :
Assam, situated at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, is the largest State in
northeast India and lies in the middle reach of the river Brahmaputra and Barak. The
Brahmaputra basin covers an area of 5,80,000 sq. Km out of which 70,634 Sq. Km falls
within Assam. The State Accounts for nearly 2.4% of India ‘s Total geographical area. The
land has uneven topography, full of hills, Plains and rivers. The State is Bordering
Arunachal Pradesh in the East, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Bangladesh in the west,
Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan in the north and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya,
Tripura in the south. Its longitude lies at 88.250E to 96.00E and latitude at 24.50N to
28.00N and temperature varies from 60C to 380C. The humidity that is brought into
Assam by the Southwest monsoons, shower an average annual rainfall of 120 inches or
more on the Brahmaputra Valley and the surrounding region.

Figure 1: location map of Assam

6
2.2 Physiography:

II. Central Assam Hills (Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills):
• This hilly Assam’s physiography, or the “lay of the land,” can be broadly divided
into three distinct regions:

I. Brahmaputra Valley:
• This fertile valley, formed by the mighty Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, is
the dominant geographical feature of Assam.
• It’s a vast alluvial plain, almost flat with a gentle slope towards the south, and
covers around 69% of the state’s total area.
• The soil is fertile and ideal for agriculture, making it the agricultural heartland
of Assam.
region, dissected by numerous rivers, separates the Brahmaputra Valley from
the Barak Valley in the south.
• It’s an extension of the South Indian Plateau, with eroded and worn-down hills.
• The elevation ranges from 150 meters to 1800 meters above sea level.
• These hills are home to diverse flora and fauna, with some areas protected as
wildlife sanctuaries.

III. Barak Valley:

• This valley, nestled between the southern borders of Assam and Manipur and
Mizoram states, presents a contrasting landscape.
• It’s a bowl-shaped valley with rolling hills and a lower elevation compared to
the Brahmaputra Valley.
• The Barak River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through this valley.
• The Barak Valley has a subtropical climate with slightly higher temperatures
than the Brahmaputra Valley.
By understanding Assam’s physiography, we gain a deeper appreciation for the state’s
varied landscapes, rich ecosystems, and the intricate relationship between its landforms,
climate, and human activities.

7
2.3 Climate:

Assam experiences the predominant influence of the southwest tropical monsoon

which is normally active from April to October with occasional winter showers. The

approach of the monsoon is usually marked by strong winds, overcast skies

accompanied by occasional thunder showers, hailstorms and at times by

cyclones between April and May. Thunderstorms known as Bordoicila are frequent

during the afternoons. Heavy downpour starts from June. The annual average

rainfall of the state varies between 1600mm and 4300mm from place to place. The

average rainfall for the state as a whole is about 2900mm with maximum

precipitation during June and July. The average temperature in the state varies from

4°C to 19°C during the winter and 26°C to 37°C during the summer accompanied

by high humidity.

8
2.4 Vegetation:

Assam boasts a rich tapestry of vegetation due to its diverse topography and climatic

conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the prominent types:

• Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests: Lush and dense, these forests thrive in the

high-rainfall areas of Assam, particularly in the Brahmaputra valley and the

southern Barak Valley. They are characterized by towering trees with evergreen

canopies, such as Hollong (Dysoxylum binectiferum), Nahar (Mesua ferrea),

and Champ (Michelia champaca).

• Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests: These forests are less dense than wet

evergreens, with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Some prominent

species include Simul (Salmalia malabarica), Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), and

Kathaluwa (Palaquium polyanthum).

• Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests: These forests experience a seasonal

change, losing their leaves during the dry season. Sal (Shorea robusta) trees

are dominant in these areas, along with other deciduous species like Aam

(Mangifera indica) and Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba).

• Bamboo Groves: A characteristic feature of Assam’s landscape, bamboo

grows abundantly across the state. Species like Bambusa tulda and

Melocanna baccifera form dense groves, serving ecological and economic

purposes.

• Grasslands: Found along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and other

major rivers, these grasslands are home to a variety of grazing animals and

9
 birds. Tall elephant grass (Imperata cylindrica) is a common sight in these

regions.

• Wetlands and Swamps: These ecosystems support a diverse range of aquatic

plants and provide critical habitat for many endemic species. They also play a

vital role in flood control and carbon sequestration.

• Tea Gardens: Assam is globally renowned for its tea production. These vast

plantations, with Camellia sinensis plants, are a prominent feature of the

state’s landscape, particularly in Upper Assam.

• Orchids: Assam is a paradise for orchid lovers, boasting over 500 species. The

Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) is the state flower, and the Kaziranga

National Orchid and Biodiversity Park houses an impressive collection of these

magnificent blooms.

This rich tapestry of vegetation types contributes significantly to Assam’s biodiversity,

providing habitat for diverse wildlife and offering scenic beauty for residents and visitors

alike.

10
2.5 Demography :

As per details from Census 2011, Assam has population of 3.12 Crores of which male

and female are 15,939,443 and 15,266,133 respectively. The total population growth in

this decade was 17.07 percent while in previous decade it was 18.85 percent. The

population of Assam forms 2.58 percent of India in 2011. In 2001, the figure was 2.59

percent. In 2011, the literacy rate in the state was 72.19%. The male literacy rate was

77.85% and the female literacy rate was 66.27%. In 2001, the census had recorded

literacy in Assam at 63.3% with male literacy at 71.3% and female at 54.6%. The

urbanisation rate was recorded at 12.9%. Recently as per Assam census data, 87.92%

houses are owned while 6.84% were rented. In all, 74.13% couples in Assam lived in

single family.

11
CHAPTER 3: FLOOD HAZARD IN ASSAM

3.1 Causes of flood:

Assam's battle with floods is a complex issue with multiple contributing

factors. Here's a breakdown of the major causes:

I. Heavy Monsoon Rainfall:

• Assam receives a substantial amount of rainfall during the monsoon season

(June-September).

• This intense precipitation can overwhelm rivers and drainage systems, leading

to overflowing and subsequent flooding.

II. Riverine Flooding:

• The Brahmaputra River, along with its numerous tributaries, plays a significant

role in Assam's floods.

• Factors like:

o River Erosion: Over time, the Brahmaputra River erodes its banks,

widening its channel and reducing its capacity to carry floodwater

effectively.

o Sedimentation: Excessive sedimentation from upstream activities fills

the riverbed, further reducing its water-carrying capacity and increasing

the risk of overflows.

o Sudden Snowmelt: Rapid melting of snow in the Himalayas can

cause a surge in river water volume, contributing to floods downstream

in Assam.

12
III. Topographical Features:

• The vast expanse of the Brahmaputra Valley, characterized by relatively flat

plains, allows floodwater to spread quickly and inundate large areas.

• This topography hinders the natural drainage of excess water, exacerbating the

flood situation.

IV. Land-Use Changes:

• Unsustainable land-use practices like:

o Deforestation: Decreased forest cover reduces water absorption

capacity in the soil, leading to increased surface runoff and faster flow of

rainwater into rivers.

o Encroachment on Floodplains: Development and infrastructure

projects on floodplains obstruct the natural flow of floodwater, causing it

to spill over and inundate surrounding areas.

Understanding these causes is crucial for developing effective flood management

strategies. By addressing these factors through mitigation, preparedness, and

adaptation measures, Assam can strive towards a future with reduced flood risks and

a more resilient environment.

13
3.2 Damage extent of flood hazard:

The extent of damage caused by floods in Assam can be quite severe, impacting

various aspects of life. Here's a breakdown of the potential damage:

Loss of Life and Displacement:

• Floods pose a significant threat to human life. Strong currents, drowning due to

sudden inundation, and electrocution caused by damaged electrical wires are

major risks.

• Widespread flooding often displaces large populations from their homes,

forcing them to seek temporary shelter in relief camps or with relatives.

Economic Disruption:

• Agricultural fields are often submerged during floods, leading to massive crop

losses. This not only impacts food security but also disrupts the livelihoods of

farmers, causing financial hardship.

• Infrastructure damage is another significant economic consequence. Roads,

bridges, railways, and other infrastructure can be severely affected by

floodwaters, disrupting transportation and communication networks.

• Businesses face losses due to damaged inventory, closure during floods, and

disruption of supply chains.

Health Risks:

• Floods can contaminate water sources with floodwater carrying sewage and

waste. This increases the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera,

and typhoid.

• Disruption of healthcare services due to damaged infrastructure or flooded

medical facilities can further exacerbate health problems.

14
 • The stress and anxiety of losing homes and livelihoods due to floods can have

negative impacts on people's mental health.

Social Disruption:

• Floods can disrupt educational institutions, forcing schools and colleges to

close, impacting students' learning and development.

• Social networks and community cohesion can be affected as families are

displaced and separated.

• The psychological trauma of experiencing floods can have long-lasting negative

impacts on individuals and communities.

Environmental Damage:

• Floods can cause erosion of fertile topsoil, impacting agricultural productivity in

the long term.

• Damage to vegetation and forests can contribute to further soil erosion and

disrupt the ecological balance.

• The influx of floodwaters can pollute water bodies with debris and

contaminants, harming aquatic life.

The extent of damage varies depending on the severity and location of the flood.

However, the potential consequences highlight the importance of effective flood

management strategies to mitigate these risks and build a more resilient Assam.

15
3.3 Flood hazard zones:

Assam, being highly susceptible to floods, has undertaken initiatives to map flood
hazard zones to aid in preparedness and mitigation efforts. Here’s a breakdown of the
concept and resources for finding flood hazard zones in Assam:

Flood hazard zones are areas categorized based on their likelihood and severity of
flooding. These zones are delineated using various factors like:

• Historical flood data

• River behavior and discharge patterns

• Topography and elevation

• Rainfall patterns

Significance of Flood Hazard Zones:

Knowing the flood hazard zone of an area offers several benefits:

• Land-use Planning: Flood hazard maps can inform decisions about development
projects, directing them away from high-risk zones.

• Disaster Preparedness: Communities residing in flood-prone areas can be better prepared by

creating evacuation plans and emergency stockpiles.

• Risk Assessment: Flood hazard zones allow individuals and businesses to assess their flood

risk and take necessary precautions, like flood insurance.

• Resource Allocation: Authorities can prioritize flood protection measures and resource
allocation based on the level of risk in different zones.

Finding Flood Hazard Zones in Assam:

By understanding and utilizing flood hazard zone information, residents, businesses, and
authorities in Assam can work towards a more flood-resilient future.

16
Based on the analysis of about 215 satellite datasets, acquired during floods of 1998-
2015, the flood hazard layer was derived. Fig- 2 shows the flood hazard map prepared for
Assam. Table-1 shows the flood hazard area computed under various categories.
Following are the observations:

Figure 2: Flood hazard zonation map of Assam

• About 28.75% (22.54 lakh hectares) of land in Assam state is affected by flood during
1998-2015 (Table-1).

• Out of total flood affected area (22.54 lakh hectares), about 1.55 lakh hectares of land
falls under high (inundated 13- 15 times) to very high (inundated 16-18 times) flood
hazard categories.

• Within flood affected zones, the percentage area of each flood hazard category varies
from 2.16 to 55.91. Fig-3 shows the graphical distribution of area under different hazard
categories.

17
 % Flood Hazard % Flood Hazard
Hazard Flood hazard
Sl No (wrt State (wrt Total Flood
Severity Area(ha)
Geographic Area) Hazard Area)
1 Very High 48490 0.62 2.16
2 High 106659 1.36 4.73
3 Moderate 282783 3.61 12.54
4 Low 556080 7.09 24.66
5 Very Low 1260562 16.07 55.91
Total 2254574 28.75 100

Table 1: Flood hazard area under various categories

Very High High

2% 5%

Moderate
12%

Very Low
Low
56%
25%

Figure 3: Pie chart showing percentage of hazard categories with respect to total hazard in the state

18
 District wise flood hazard areas

Karimganj Bongaigaon
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics

Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard

Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 23257 1 Very Low 21497
2 Low 10193 2 Low 7063
3 Moderate 12263 3 Moderate 2742
4 High 10588 4 High 978
5 Very high 2613 5 Very high 306
Table 2: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 3: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Very high
Moderat High Very
4%
High e 3% high
Very Low 8% 1%
18%
40% Low
Moderat 22%
e Very
Low
21% Low
17%
66%

Figure 4: percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 5: percentage of various flood hazard categories

Barpeta Baksa

Flood hazard statistics flood hazard statistics

Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 73595 1 Very Low 24109
2 Low 43498 2 Low 1776
3 Moderate 21231 3 Moderate 83
4 High 5650 4 High 4
5 Very high 1367 5 Very high 0
Table 4: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 5: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Very Very
Moderat
High
Low
High high high7%
0%
e
Moderat 4% 1% 0%0%
e
14%
Very Very Low
Low 93%
Low 51%
30%

Figure 6: percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 7: percentage of various flood hazard categories

19
 Cachar Darrang
Flood hazard statistics flood hazard statistics

Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard

Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 39090
1 Very Low 37101
2 Low 18372
2 Low 20229
3 Moderate 6848
3 Moderate 17458
4 High 1185
4 High 14934
5 Very High 239
5 Very high 11419

Table 6: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 7: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Very High Very

High high Moderat 2% High
15% 11% e 0%
Very 10%
Low Low
Moderat 37% 28% Very Low
e Low 60%
17% 20%

Figure 8: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 9: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

Chirang Dhemaji
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics
Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 9361 1 Very Low 78301
2 Low 362 2 Low 29668
3 Moderate 14 3 Moderate 6416
4 High 0 4 High 789
5 Very high 0 5 Very High 130
Table 8: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 9: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Moderat
Low
Very
High Moderat High Very
Highe
4% 0% e 1% High
0%0% 5% Low 0%
26%
Very
Low
Very Low
68%
96%

Figure 10: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 11: Percentage of various Flood hazard categories

20
 Dibrugarh Goalpara
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics
Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 74004 1 Very Low 35217
2 Low 31481 2 Low 19935
3 Moderate 16632 3 Moderate 11044
4 High 4280 4 High 4556
5 Very High 557 5 Very High 2254

Table 10: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 11: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Modera High Very High Very

te 3% High 6% High
13% 1% Moderat 3%
e
15% Very Low
Low 48%
Very
25% Low
Low
58% 28%

Figure 12: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 13: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

Karbi Anlong Golaghat

Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics

Hazard Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Severity Severity
code area (hectares) code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 22713 1 Very Low 66905
2 Low 11163 2 Low 24510
3 Moderate 4452 3 Moderate 10637
4 High 237 4 High 1916
5 5 Very High 98
Very High 0
Table 12: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 13: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Moderat High Very High

Moderat 2%
Very
e 1% High High
0% e 0%
11% 10% Low
Low
Figure 29% 24%
Very Very
Low Low
59% 64%

Figure 14: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 15: Percentage of various flood categories

21
 Hailakandi Hojai
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics

Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard

Hazard Severity
Severity area code area (hectares)
code
(hectares)
1 Very Low 33138
1 Very Low 17893
2 Low 15969
2 Low 6082
3 Moderate 5239 3 Moderate 11415
4 High 3337 4 High 2284
5 Very High 1447 5 Very High 162
Table 14: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 15: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

High Very
High Very
Moderat 10% High
Moderat 4% High
e 4% 0%
e
15% 18%
Very Very
Low Low Low
Low
53% 25% 53%
18%

figure
Figure 16: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 17: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

Jorhat Kamrup
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard statistics
Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Hazard Severity
Severity area code area (hectares)
code
(hectares)
1 Very Low 33447
1 Very Low 72399
2 Low 15977
2 Low 32957
3 3 Moderate 6854
Moderate 13349
4 High 3128 4 High 541
5 Very High 1204 5 Very High 93
Table 16: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 17: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

High Very High Very

Moderat 2% High Moderat
e 1% High
1% e
11% 0%
12%
Low Low
27% Very 28% Very Low
Low 59%
59%

Figure 18: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 19: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

22
 Kamrup (Metro) Kokrajhar
Flood hazard statistics Flood hazard Statistics
Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Hazard Severity
Severity area code area (hectares)
code
(hectares)
1 Very Low 22901
1 Very Low 3957
2 Low 1956
2 Low 1235
3 3 Moderate 62
Moderate 1261
4 4 High 0
High 222
5 Very High 5 5 Very High 0
Table 18: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 19: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Modera High Very Moderat

VeryLow
High
te 3% High High
e 8%0%
19% 0% 0%
0%

Low Very
19% Low Very Low
59% 92%

Figure 20: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 21: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

Nalbari Sivasagar
Flood hazard statistics flood hazard statistics

Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard

Hazard Severity
Severity area code area (hectares)
code
(hectares) 1 Very Low 44838
1 Very Low 34552
2 Low 21543
2 Low 16575
3 Moderate 14908
3 Moderate 4682
4 High 484 4 High 7891
5 Very High 0 5 Very High 2439
Table 20: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 21: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Moderat High Very

High Very
e 1% High
Moderat 9% High
8% 0%
e 3%
Low Very
16%
30% Low
Very
Low Low 49%
61% 23%

Figure 22: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 23: Percentage of various flood hazard categories

23
 Sonitpur Tinsukia
Flood hazard statistics flood hazard statistics
Flood hazard Hazard Flood hazard
Hazard Severity
Severity area code area (hectares)
code
(hectares)
1 Very Low 56602
1 Very Low 54897
2 2 Low 13184
Low 12442
3 3 Moderate 2403
Moderate 3046
4 High 854 4 High 157
5 Very High 139 5 Very High 0

Table 22: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones Table 23: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Low Modera High Very Low Moderat High Very

18% te 1% High 18% e 0% High
4% 0% 4% 0%

Very Very Low

Low 78%
77%

Figure 24: Percentage of various flood hazard categories Figure 25: Percentage of various flood categories

Udalguri
Flood hazard statistics
Hazard Flood hazard
Severity
code area (hectares)
1 Very Low 35509
2 Low 2843
3 Moderate 136
4 High 0
5 Very High 0
Table 24: Flood hazard area under different flood hazard zones

Low Moderat
Very
High
8% Highe0%
0%
0%

Very Low
92%

Figure 26: Percentage of various hazard categories

24
3.4 Flood control measures:

Due to the recurring threat of floods, Assam has adopted various measures to control

and manage these devastating events. Here’s a breakdown of the key approaches:

I. Structural Measures:

• Embankments and Levees: Constructing earthen embankments or concrete levees

along riverbanks is a common strategy to confine river flow and prevent water from

overflowing onto floodplains.

• Drainage Systems: Improving drainage channels and canals helps remove excess

water from low-lying areas and reduce inundation.

• Dams and Reservoirs: Large dams upstream can regulate river flow by storing water

during peak monsoon season and releasing it gradually, potentially reducing flood peaks

downstream. However, dam construction can have environmental and social impacts

that need careful consideration.

II. Non-Structural Measures:

• Floodplain Management: Restricting development and infrastructure projects on

floodplains allows floodwater to spread naturally, minimizing the pressure on

embankments and reducing the impact on developed areas.

• Afforestation and Soil Conservation: Planting trees and promoting sustainable land

management practices in catchment areas can increase water absorption in the soil,

reducing surface runoff and lessening flood peaks.

25
• Flood Forecasting and Early Warning Systems: Investing in weather monitoring, river

gauging stations, and real-time flood forecasting systems allows authorities to issue

timely warnings to communities, enabling them to evacuate and take necessary

precautions.

• Public Awareness and Community Preparedness: Educating communities about

flood risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness measures empowers

them to respond effectively during floods. This can involve drills, stockpile creation, and

awareness campaigns.

• Flood-Resistant Building Practices: Encouraging the use of flood-resistant building

materials and designs, such as elevated houses, can minimize damage to structures

during floods.

By implementing a comprehensive flood control strategy that addresses both

structural and non-structural aspects, Assam can strive towards a future where flood

risks are minimized, and communities are well-equipped to respond and recover from

these events.

26