Guwahati, 22 July (HS): With floods continuing to affect large parts of Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, state ministers and MLAs have intensified visits to the worst-hit districts to review relief operations and interact with affected families.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), floods have affected 16 districts, inundating 872 villages and impacting 5,64,660 people. Around 24,210.35 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged, with Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat among the worst-affected districts.

After returning from New Delhi, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma visited flood-affected areas in Jorhat, Sivasagar and Charaideo on Wednesday. He met inmates at relief camps and assured them of all possible government assistance. The Chief Minister also announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the floods and assured support for the reconstruction of damaged houses.

Over the past three days, Ministers Keshab Mahanta, Pijush Hazarika, Ajanta Neog, Bimal Bora and Sushanta Borgohain, along with MLAs Mrinal Saikia, Rupjyoti Kurmi and several other public representatives, have been visiting flood-hit areas to monitor relief measures and extend assistance to affected families.

Notably, 21 people lost their lives in flood-related incidents across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat on July 21. Reports of additional casualties have emerged, though official confirmation is awaited.

Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by SDRF, NDRF, police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration, Civil Defence volunteers and other agencies. The state government has established 71 relief camps and 202 relief distribution centres, providing shelter and essential supplies to affected residents.

Sharing updated flood data on social media, the Chief Minister said that from April 29 to July 21, floods have affected 25 districts, 74 revenue circles and 1,700 villages across Assam. A total of 7,27,506 people have been affected, with 95 relief camps housing 18,574 inmates. The state has also set up 469 relief distribution centres. Official records show 31 flood-related deaths, one death due to artificial flooding, three missing persons, 401 fully damaged houses, 1,848 partially damaged houses and the loss of 185 livestock.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash