Assam Flood: The World Bank has approved a loan of $108 million (approximately 889 crores) to assist Assam in improving disaster preparedness and flood forecasting. According to a press release from the multilateral bank, the project will benefit approximately six million people and is part of the state’s larger $500 million investment programme.
By constructing green infrastructure in the Beki and Buridehing river basins, the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project will help the state reduce its vulnerability to floods and river erosion, protecting approximately one lakh people.
The project will also help strengthen the state’s disaster response by improving Assam flood forecasting and early warning systems, including mobile alerts.
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According to the release, it will provide safer evacuation and shelter facilities, including access to climate-resilient flood shelters, to at least 10,000 people.
With upgraded state and district emergency operational centres, the project will also assist government agencies in responding faster during a crisis.
“The floods of 2022 harmed millions of people in Assam,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, World Bank Country Director for India.
World Bank has approved a USD108 million loan to help Assam improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting project will also help strengthen the state response to disasters through improved flood forecasting and accurate early warning systems including mobile alerts pic.twitter.com/KOPO3rBIQX
— News NE7 (@newsne7) March 25, 2023
According to the World Bank, the Assam government expects an increase in extreme rainfall events of 5-35 percent and an increase in flood events of more than 25 percent as a result of climate change.
The Brahmaputra River system is Assam’s economic lifeline and an important component of the state’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage. However, flooding, riverbank erosion, sedimentation, and biodiversity loss have significant economic and environmental consequences for the state, resulting in the loss of livelihoods for its people.
According to the World Bank, the government of Assam expects an increase in extreme rainfall events of 5-35 percent and an increase in flood events of more than 25 percent as a result of climate change.
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