Floods Ravage 21 Million Hectares Across 712 Districts in India, Reports CWC

A report by the Central Water Commission reveals that from 1986 to 2022, about 21 million hectares across 712 districts in India were affected by floods. Major states impacted include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal. The Ganga basin is the most flood-prone area.

A government report released on Thursday highlights that floods have ravaged about 21 million hectares across 712 districts in India from 1986-2022. The Central Water Commission's (CWC) report, 'Assessment of Areas Affected Due to Floods in India,' details flood damages over a 36-year period. Notably, 20.5 million hectares were safeguarded through structural measures.

The report specifies that the total flood-affected area during this period stands at 21.213 mha. Satellite imagery and annual data were utilized to identify flood-prone regions. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal emerged as the most affected states, with Uttar Pradesh leading at 5.175 mha affected.

Bihar followed with 2.914 mha, West Bengal with 1.84 mha, and Assam with 2.48 mha of flood-affected areas. The study also identifies Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam as having the highest number of flood-hit districts. Additionally, the Ganga basin accounted for 54 per cent of the total flood-affected area.