Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in the Indian State of Assam, killing at least 85 people and displacing tens of thousands of residents, while drowning rare wildlife in a national park.
Since May, floodwaters have inundated thousands of villages on the bank of the Brahmaputra river. According to reports, more than 145,648 people have been forced out of their homes and obstruct efforts to curb the continued spread of coronavirus.
Almost 50,000 displaced residents are taking shelter at 276 relief camps set up around the state, while others have returned home after the flood receded in their regions, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
The area is famous for its tea plantations. It is hit by floods and landslides every monsoon season. This year the deluge comes as the country struggles to contain the spread of COVID-19. India has recorded more than one million confirmed cases, the third-highest in the world after the US and Brazil.
The deluge has affected more than 2.4 million people in 24 out of 33 districts in Assam. It has killed over 100 animals in a national park, including dozens of rhinos. Park officials were able to rescue some 140 animals.
