Once again the India's tea state, Assam has been gripped by the overflowing waters of Brahmaputra affecting about 2,500 villages of the state.

The Brahmaputra river, which flows from China down to India and then through Bangladesh, has burst its banks after torrential monsoon rains killing about 40 people and is expected to keep rising until the end of this week and should then stabilise, provided there is no more heavy rain, the Central Water Commission said. (in.reuters.com)

To add to the already existing crisis , neighbouring states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura are also likely to witness moderate to heavy monsoon showers in the coming weeks.(india.com)

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday visited flood-hit Majuli district and inspected relief camps, visited the Kaziranga National Park and directed officials to maintain a close vigil on the movement of animals so that they don`t fall victim to poachers.(zeenews.india.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBUcJ4Zv1D0

Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, also arrived on Thursday in the state, to take stock of the situation and submit a report to the Centre.

Damages and Costs

The floods have claimed about 44 lives, displaced nearly 1.7 million people and inundated the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Over 31,000 people are seeking shelter in more than 300 relief camps which have been set up to help the victims and about 2,000 people have been rescued even as teams carry out relief and rescue operations. Authorities have declared a "maximum health alert" to stop the spread of disease.

The current wave of floods has damaged 1,760 hectares of crops rendering hundreds homeless. Approximately 53 animals have died including three rhinos. (in.reuters.com)

Animals are seeking refuge on high ground, including hills outside the park, becoming more vulnerable to poachers. They also face increasing danger of being hit by vehicles if they take refuge on roads that often run along embankments. (in.reuters.com)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concern over the situation and enquired about it over a phone call with Sarbanand Sonowal ,Chief Minister of Assam on Sunday and assured him of all the help from the Centre.

The whole state has come to a standstill adversely impacting its people, wildlife and economy.