IN THE wake of flash floods in Assam, triggered by heavy overnight rains, the state government had to take quick action and evacuate around 7,500 people from the flood-prone areas. The evacuation started late in the night and people were moved to safety camps.

In Lakhimpur and Dhemaji alone 50,000 people have been evacuated. People have taken shelter on railway tracks, government schools and other places far away from the flood zone. Meanwhile, people in the river island of Majuli were stranded as gushing water breached one of its mud embankments.

A government official said that the floods have already hit 800 villages in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Jorhat districts. The official added that all agencies have been informed about the situation and asked to send aid to the affected areas. Also, Brahmaputra river is flowing above normal level in at least eight places, according to Central Water Commission bulletin.

The heaves rains have also affected national Highway 52 in eastern Assam and the Kaziranga National Park. As the water continues to advance, forest guards had to leave the park and make animals run for safety. The park authorities have expressed concern about the safety of its animals and employees.