Assam flood affects over 25 lakh people, toll now 84

According to the reports, one each person drowned in flood waters in Barpeta, Baksa, Dhubri, Morigaon and Nagaon district.

On Sunday, the flood waters of Pahumara river washed away a man at Bajali area in Barpeta district and later locals rescued him.

While the flood situation is improving in the state with waters receding in some parts of the Upper Assam districts, over 25.29 lakh people of 24 districts are still affected in the deluge.

The flood reports of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) stated that, 4.53 lakh people are affected in Goalpara district alone followed by 3.43 lakh people in Barpeta, 3.41 lakh people in Morigaon district, 3.15 lakh people in Dhubri, 2.25 lakh people in South Salmara district.

1.21 lakh hectares of crop lands of 2400 villages under 70 revenue circles of the flood-hit districts are still under water.

Nearly 51,000 people are currently taking shelter at 301 relief camps set up in 18 flood hit districts.

Many flood-affected people are still taking shelter on roads, embankments and high lands.

The daily flood report of ASDMA also stated that nearly 16.47 lakh domestic animals are still affected in the current wave of floods.

On the other hand, the water levels of Brahmaputra river and its tributaries are flowing above danger level at some parts of the state.

Assam CM visits flood-hit areas of Morigaon district

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday visited the flood affected areas of Mayong Revenue Circle in Morigaon district.

The Assam CM took a mechanized boat-ride to take stock of the prevailing flood situation in the district.

He visited Modonabori village where nearly 200 families are taking shelter on a highland and interacted with the flood-hit people and took stock of the facilities being provided by the state government.

The CM handed over an ex-gratia cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the flood victims of the district at Jharagaon under Mayong Revenue Circle.

Sonowal said that Assam was going through a difficult phase and the state was fighting against flood, erosion, landslide and Covid-19 simultaneously.

Sonowal said, "The state government is making sincere efforts to provide all necessary help and support to the people at these difficult hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government are expressing solidarity with the people of Assam at this difficult time.

"Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DONER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh are constantly taking stock of the situation in the state."

He said that Modi called him on Sunday morning and inquired about flood, erosion, landslide, Covid-19 situation and progress on the efforts to douse Baghjan gas well fire.

“The central government assured all help and support to the Government of Assam to tide over the present crisis situation,” Sonowal said.

The CM also hoped that the recommendations of the high level committee constituted by the PM under the chairmanship of NITI Ayog Vice Chairman would help in bringing a lasting solution to the flood and erosion problem of Assam.

In view of Covid-19 pandemic, Sonowal urged people to strictly maintain social distancing norms and wear masks as well as regularly wash their hands to keep themselves safe.

He said that as the government has stepped up testing facilities, the numbers of Covid-19 positive patients are increasing but there is no reason to panic.

He, however, called upon people to adhere to the guidelines issued by the health department to deal with Covid-19.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)