New Delhi: The World Bank has approved a loan of $108 million for Assam to strengthen flood forecasting and catastrophe preparation, according to a recent statement.

According to the World Bank, the initiative, which is a component of a bigger $500-million investment plan for Assam, will provide benefits to about six million people.

According to a statement, the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project will construct green infrastructure in the Beki and Buridehing river basins, safeguarding about 100,000 people, and will assist the state in reducing its susceptibility to storms and river erosion.

The project will also help strengthen the state’s response to disasters through improved flood forecasting and accurate early warning systems, including mobile alerts, it said.

At least 10,000 individuals will have access to better evacuation and refuge options, including climate-resilient flood shelters. Upgraded state and district emergency command centres will also enable government agencies to react more quickly during times of crisis, it was noted.

“The 2022 floods adversely impacted millions of people in Assam,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.

Kouame continued, “This project will strengthen Assam's disaster risk management strategy, promoting climate-resilient growth while safeguarding Assamese citizens’ lives and property.”

According to a press statement, the initiative will assist Assam in managing its intricate waterway systems while also assisting it in addressing the state's urgent challenges of erosion and floods.

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