Sonowal reviews state flood situation in Assam, asks DCs to remain alert and prepared to tackle flood

The Chief Minister interacted with the Deputy Commissioners and district level senior officials of different government departments of the state through a video conference from Guwahati and directed them to remain fully alert and prepared to tackle flood.

Stating that people in distress must get adequate care and response, the Chief Minister asked the DCs to activate 24x7 control room for immediate response to flood situation in their districts.

He inquired about the status of relief camps, distribution of relief material to marooned people and measures adopted for safety and security of animals in the flood affected districts.

Sonowal while stressing on the need to ensure adequate medical services to flood affected people asked the Deputy Commissioners to contact with the Director of Health Services if there is any shortage of doctors in their respective districts.

He also instructed them to take steps for adequate care for animals affected by flood and arrange fodder for them. Moreover, in view of spurt of JE and malaria cases, the Chief Minister directed the health department functionaries to collect blood sample of relief camp inmates to contain the diseases.

Underlining the importance of prompt action by NDRF and SDRF personnel in rescue operations, the Chief Minister asked the DCs to remain in close touch with concerned district administrations where those teams are presently being stationed.

He also directed the police force to carry out regular patrolling in flood affected areas to ensure safety and security of property of the flood hit people.

Sonowal further asked the Power Department to take all necessary measures to prevent incidents of electrocution which may take place due to negligence of departmental officials. Besides, in case of any casualty in flood, he directed the DCs to release the one time financial assistance to the next of kin of the victim immediately.

Apart from reviewing the present situation of inundation at Kaziranga and Manas National Park, the Chief Minister took stock of preparedness of Kamrup (Metro) district administration to respond incidents of landslide in the district.

In view of several such incidents taking place in Guwahati in the past causing loss of many lives, Chief Minister Sonowal asked the DC and Assam State Disaster Management Authority to identify all landslide prone areas and sensitize the local people to vacate such places to avert any eventuality.

He directed the Kamrup (Metro) DC to conduct sensitization meetings with the local people and generate awareness amongst them about the adverse fall out of living in such areas.

Sonowal during the interaction emphasized on the need for empathetic approach from all rank and file of government officials. Urging the district officials to work for the flood hit with utmost sincerity and dedication, he called for upholding the 'Team Assam' spirit by all officials.

Chief Secretary Alok Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Special DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, Principle Secretary to Chief Minister Sanjay Lohiya and other senior officials of state government were present during the video conference.

Three people died and over 2 lakh people of 11 districts of the state are affecting in the current flood.

(By Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)