Government Prioritizes Flood Relief Efforts in Upper Assam
Urgent Response to Flood Crisis
Flood-affected villagers transporting remaining food supplies on a traditional raft in Assam amidst waist-deep waters (Photo: Abhiraj Ganguli/Linkedin)
Guwahati, July 25: The Indian government has prioritized the severe flooding situation in Upper Assam, pledging comprehensive support for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
During a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported that the Prime Minister was keen to understand the current flood conditions.
"The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives and property, assuring the people of Assam that this disaster is receiving top priority and that the Government of India will provide all necessary assistance for relief and rebuilding efforts," Sarma shared on social media.
The Chief Minister informed Modi about the state government's initiatives and the ongoing efforts to assist every affected household.
"He requested updates on the extent of the damage, the current relief operations, and the challenges we are facing on the ground," the post continued.
This announcement precedes the arrival of a central inter-ministerial team, which is set to visit Assam to evaluate the damage and assess the state's needs for federal assistance in relief and reconstruction.
Sarma previously mentioned that the team's findings would be crucial in determining the level of support needed for rebuilding once immediate relief efforts conclude.
As per the latest bulletin from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, 856 villages are still submerged, and an additional 14 fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours.
Despite extensive rescue and relief operations, Sarma acknowledged that many flood-affected individuals remain unreachable by aid organizations.
In a press conference, he stated that relief supplies have not yet reached approximately 80,000 individuals, particularly in the severely impacted Sivasagar district, including Nazira.
"In the Nazira Assembly constituency alone, around 50,000 individuals are still beyond the reach of relief teams, while nearly 30,000 in Sivasagar remain inaccessible," he noted, adding that although floodwaters are receding in several areas, thick layers of silt and mud have left many regions effectively isolated from relief efforts.