representational photo
Representational photo
The National Disaster Management Division (NDMD) of the Ministry of Home Affairs in India reports that over 5 million people across 8 states are currently affected by flooding.

In a report dated 18 July, NDMD say that flooding in the country is affecting the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. NDMD say that 375 villages from 89 districts across the 8 states have reported flooding.

According to the report, 124 lives have been lost since the flooding began with the onset of this year's monsoon rainfall in June. Over 90 of the fatalities are believed to have occurred during the last 2 weeks. Around 200 people have also been reported as injured.






The flooding has caused widespread damage to houses and farmland. As of 18 July, 2,888 houses have been destroyed and 336,555 damaged. Around 55,000 heads of cattle have been lost due to the floods.

Around 20,000 people have been forced to evacuate their home by the floods. Over 80 relief camps have been set up to house those displaced.

Rivers

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC) report dated 18 July, river levels are at "moderate flood" stage at 10 different locations in Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. There are no rivers at high flood stage.

Heavy rainfall warnings

India Meteorological Department (IMD) have issued a red level (highest) warning for heavy rain in Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya until at least 22 or 23 July. A red level warning is also in place for heavy rain in Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.