Introduction: It Assam we get plenty of rain in the rainy in the rainy season. As all the big rivers, rivelets, lakes and stream are filled with water. At times up high above the normal level, overflows the banks and submerges the area all around.
Causes: The Brahmaputra is the biggest river in Assam. Flood in every year is caused mainly by the Brahmaputra.That is why it is now called the "river of sorrow" or "the sorrow of Assam". During flood there is water and water everywhere. Villages and towns go under water. People have to take shelters in high roads, branches of trees or on big buildings.
Frequency: The misery of the people knows no bounds. People lose every- thing. They lose their food and shelter. Some people lose their life. Many cattle and children are swept away. Cornfields are merged under water. They are completely damaged. Means of communica- tion are totally cut-off. Floods do not come alone. It carries different kind of diseases. Hundreds fall victim to epidemics after flood. There is famine everywhere. Scarcity of food and fodder causes death to man and animal respectively in villages and town alike.
Not only in Assam, but in different parts of India floods are very common. People in different parts of the country suffer from the same miseries. Flood is a.national waste of life and property.
Relief: Relief measures are generally taken by the government in times of flood. Flood and clothes are distributed free. Besides government, social and culture organizations also come forward to help the flood- affected people, Arrangements for advancement of agricultural loan, seeds, catteles are made by the government. But relief measures cannot solve the flood problem.,
Conclusion: It is impossible to control floods altogether. But it can be lessened and made to our use by scientific methods.