Assam Government Takes Steps to Aid Flood-Affected Districts

Support Initiatives for Flood Victims in Assam

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced that the state government is reaching out to insurance companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to provide relief to customers in four districts severely impacted by flooding this year. He mentioned that assessments of damages to homes, livestock, and other properties are expected to be completed soon, with efforts underway to ensure that funds for repairs are distributed promptly.

This announcement follows the Chief Minister's statement regarding a special meeting of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC), where it was decided to grant a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for all flood-affected individuals in the four districts.

So far, the floods have claimed at least 80 lives and affected over 200,000 residents in Assam. The districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat have been the hardest hit. After presiding over a cabinet meeting, Sarma addressed the media, stating, “We discussed in detail how to provide further relief to the people during this critical time.”

He also announced plans to convene a meeting with both private and public insurance companies on August 5 to expedite the settlement of claims for insured damages to vehicles, livestock, and more.

“For the four districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, we will request that they collect claims themselves and settle them as quickly as possible,” he added. The Chief Minister indicated that the government would also meet with NBFCs on August 5 to discuss extending similar benefits to borrowers in these districts.

Sarma noted that assessments of housing damage in the most affected areas are underway and are expected to be completed within a day or two, allowing for the distribution of interim relief of ₹15,000 per family in August.