Assam Floods Claim More Lives as Thousands Remain Affected
Tragic Toll of Assam Floods
Guwahati, July 29 - In the last 24 hours, Assam has reported seven additional fatalities due to flood-related incidents, leaving approximately 332,000 individuals affected by the disaster. This information was disclosed by officials on Wednesday. So far, the monsoon season has resulted in a total of 75 deaths across the state due to flooding.
Officials indicated that the state government has increased the ex-gratia payment for the families of the deceased to nine lakh rupees and has relaxed the rules for compensation claims. Currently, seven districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Kamrup Metropolitan, continue to be impacted by the floods, affecting 21 revenue circles and 622 villages.
The number of people affected by the floods stands at 332,000, with Charaideo district being the hardest hit, where 142,000 individuals have been impacted. Following this, Sivasagar has 97,074 and Jorhat has 57,371 residents affected.
On Tuesday, seven fatalities were reported in the Nazira revenue circle of Sivasagar district, raising the total death toll from flood-related incidents this year to 75. On Monday, six districts were under flood threat, impacting 445,000 people.
Currently, there are 81 relief camps operating in the affected districts, providing shelter to 32,477 displaced individuals. Additionally, 34 distribution centers for relief materials are functioning. Various agencies, including the Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and emergency services, and civilian volunteers, are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations.
Floodwaters have inundated 45,341.98 hectares of agricultural land. To maintain mobile connectivity in the flood-affected Sivasagar district, the 'Intra-Circle Roaming' (ICR) facility has been extended until July 30 at 11:59 PM or until further notice. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for special efforts to assist affected children during this challenging time.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister shared images on social media of children studying in relief camps, stating, 'Creating a conducive environment for children in relief camps is our priority. Separate spaces for studying and playing have been arranged to ensure that the floods do not adversely affect their childhood and that they do not suffer any harm from the current situation.'