Assam Ministers Assess Flood Damage in Dhemaji District
Ministers Visit Flood-Affected Areas
Minister Susanta Borgohain & Keshab Mahanta reviewing flood situation in Dhemaji
Guwahati, June 29: On Monday, two ministers from Assam's cabinet traveled to the flood-affected Dhemaji district to oversee ongoing relief and rescue efforts, as the state government intensified its response to the escalating flood crisis impacting six districts.
Following the instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta visited various relief camps, engaged with residents impacted by the floods, and assessed the extent of the damage.
Borgohain noted, “Prior to our visit, local MLA Bhuban Pegu and MP Pradan Baruah had been actively monitoring the situation and aiding those affected. Their efforts have been crucial in relocating families to safety.”
The minister also mentioned that the government has evaluated the floods' effects on livestock and has begun implementing relief strategies.
“We have conducted a thorough review and informed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure necessary actions are taken in the upcoming days. Our primary focus is on safeguarding lives. People have been moved to schools, and relief distribution commenced today,” Borgohain stated.
He highlighted the landslide in Arunachal Pradesh's Magi village, which obstructed the Gai River and worsened flooding in Dhemaji, noting that the Indian Army has cleared the river channel.
“We anticipated significant downstream impacts. We are on high alert, and both of us are present to guarantee prompt rescue and relief for those affected,” he added.
Minister Mahanta indicated that the government plans to compensate affected families following a comprehensive damage assessment.
“We will hold discussions today, aiming to finalize the assessment and provide compensation within a month,” Mahanta remarked.
He assured that relief efforts would reach all impacted residents, including those who opted to stay home to protect their properties and livestock.
“While some families are in relief camps, others have chosen to remain at home to care for their belongings and animals. We have also dispatched relief supplies to them. We will facilitate the return of those in camps as soon as conditions allow, as many have livestock to tend to,” he explained.
Regarding the collapse of the railway bridge between Archipathar and Simen Chapari, Mahanta confirmed that railway officials have already assessed the site.
“Currently, train services will operate up to Silapathar. The reconstruction of the bridge will require some time,” he added.
Mahanta emphasized that while natural disasters are unpredictable, the administration is fully equipped to respond effectively.
“So far, numerous individuals have been rescued. We have deployed four additional rescue teams, including one from Itanagar and another from Sivasagar, to bolster our rescue operations,” he stated.
Official reports indicate that floods have impacted Dhemaji, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Chirang, Lakhimpur, and Kokrajhar districts. Continuous rainfall in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh has exacerbated conditions in several riverine regions of Upper Assam.
Dhemaji is the most severely affected district, with 15,483 individuals from 69 villages across the Jonai, Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji, and Gogamukh revenue circles suffering from floodwaters. The Jonai Revenue Circle alone has 31 inundated villages.