Why is there flood in Assam every year?
Answers
Answer:
Due to the presence of River Brahmaputra
Floods wreak havoc in Assam every year during the monsoon season. These floods caused by long and heavy spells of rain and causes very severe loss of lies and property and shamble the economy of the state. Floods are caused mainly by two river systems – the Brahmaputra and the Barak. The geographical setting of the region, high intensity rainfall, easily erodible geographical formations aggravates the floods situation.
Extent of Flood:
Most of the districts of the State were affected by the floods. Generally only two districts not to see flooding were Karbi Anglong West and Dimaha Sao, both hilly regions.
Over 3,90,000 hectares of agricultural lands, growing paddy and vegetables, were inundated by the floods.
Main Reasons:
Heavy Rainfall in some year or some continuous spell of heavy rain either in Assam or in the upstream region of it’s main rivers.
Rainfall in upstream also contributes to flooding, as the water flow increases downstream.
Physiology of the region is still young and the lesser Himalaya regions are still in the process of forming. The soft rocks, in the absence of green top cover, easily gives way to gushing waters.
Brahmaputra valley carries huge amount of water and is one of the most hazard prone area. Sediment load of Brahmaputra is highest in the world and thus it makes 40% of Assam’s land as flood prone.
Human-induced problems like destruction of wetlands, deforestation, and encroachments on river banks.