The first wave of floods has hit the State with devastating consequences. Several embankments were breached and overtopped, and communication snapped on NH-52 in upper Assam. In lower Assam also, cropland and human habitations have been inundated. With the rainy season having just started, indications are that a series of floods could hit the State in the coming months. The recurring menace of flood and erosion constitutes probably the biggest challenge before the State, inflicting extensive damage on agriculture and infrastructure in particular. A permanent solution to the problem has remained elusive so far, with dearth of funds being cited as the major reason. However, in recent times substantial financial assistance is coming from agencies like ADB, and several perennially-affected areas including Matmara-Dhakuakhana, Bonkowal-Moriahola and Palashbari-Gumi have been selected under long-term anti-erosion projects. Unfortunately, flood control in Assam has invariably been associated with widespread corruption, resulting in construction of sub-standard embankments. The Matmora embankment has hogged media limelight for its notoriously shoddy construction. The State Government must take the issue of corruption in flood control seriously and ensure that the money is utilised in the best possible way. Floods in Assam have their own peculiarities, which makes it imperative that an integrated approach -- with due emphasis on environmental factors