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Assam Government Allocates Additional Funds for Flood Relief Efforts

The Assam government has announced a significant allocation of Rs 25.12 crore for flood relief, benefiting over 16,000 families in Upper Assam. This funding is part of ongoing efforts to support those affected by recent flooding. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted previous relief efforts and the importance of continued support as new flood situations arise. The government is also conducting rapid damage assessments to facilitate rehabilitation. This article provides insights into the relief measures and the government's commitment to assisting affected communities.
 

Significant Flood Relief Measures in Upper Assam

An aerial view of flood devastation in Upper Assam. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)


Guwahati, Sept 1: On Tuesday, the Assam government announced the release of Rs 25.12 crore as part of Phase-IV interim flood relief, benefiting 16,746 families impacted by flooding in three districts of Upper Assam. This announcement came as the initial phase of a rapid damage assessment following the recent floods was completed.


The funds were distributed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat during a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.


During the event, Sarma highlighted that the government had previously disbursed the first installment of Rs 15,000 to approximately 1,17,095 families, ensuring that most affected households received assistance.


“To date, we have provided interim relief to 1,00,349 families. Today, we are extending support to an additional 16,746 families under Phase-IV,” he stated.


The Chief Minister also reported that insurance claims had been resolved for 1,992 cases in Sivasagar, 297 in Jorhat, 387 in Charaideo, and 52 in Golaghat.


“Out of 14,227 individuals who applied for bank moratoriums, 13,943 have been granted these moratoriums by banks,” he added.


He mentioned that the government is also addressing the new flood situation in Gohpur, where flooding occurred due to a breach in the guard wall of the Chatrang river.


“A serious flood situation emerged in Gohpur following the breach in the Chatrang river’s guard wall. We are committed to supporting the affected families,” he affirmed.


Upon concluding the first phase of the rapid damage assessment, Sarma noted that 1,182 teachers had conducted digital assessments for 94,545 households. “The second phase will commence this month,” he confirmed.


The Chief Minister emphasized the severity of the Upper Assam floods, citing that power supply had to be cut off for 1.26 lakh families on July 20 during the deluge.


Mahanta added that prior to Tuesday's announcement, the total funds allocated for flood relief had reached Rs 150.52 crore.


“With today’s release of Rs 25.12 crore through DBT, the total amount disbursed will rise to Rs 175.64 crore,” he stated.


He also mentioned that the next phase of rapid damage assessment is scheduled for September, following consultations to aid the rehabilitation process.