Guwahati, 25 July (HS): The flood situation in Upper Assam continues to remain critical following incessant rainfall, with 7,05,148 people affected across 12 districts, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

ASDMA reported that 14 more bodies were recovered on July 24, taking the flood-related death toll in the state to 61. The recovered bodies included seven from Charaideo, six from Sivasagar and one from Jorhat.

Several rivers, including the Dikhow at Sivasagar, Disang at Nanglamuraghat, Dhansiri at Numaligarh and Kushiyara at Sribhumi, are flowing above the danger level.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is closely monitoring the situation and has directed ministers to visit the affected districts. On Friday, CM also held a virtual meeting with deputy commissioners and instructed them to intensify relief and rehabilitation measures.

The flood has affected 856 villages under 37 revenue circles in Golaghat, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Hojai, Nagaon, Biswanath, Jorhat, Dhemaji, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Kamrup (Metro) and Karbi Anglong. Around 56,606.77 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.

The state government has set up 96 relief camps and 267 relief distribution centres. While 1,15,205 people are taking shelter in relief camps, another 2,00,056 people are receiving assistance through relief distribution centres.

The floods have also affected 3,34,020 animals. A total of 17,107 livestock have reportedly been washed away, with the highest losses recorded in Sivasagar district.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by SDRF, NDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence volunteers and district administrations. As many as 139 medical teams and 63 boats have been deployed, rescuing 998 stranded people.

The government has distributed essential relief materials, including rice, pulses, salt, mustard oil and cattle feed, among affected families. Roads, bridges and other infrastructure have suffered extensive damage and the government is continuously reviewing the restoration efforts.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the Chief Minister said the flood situation remains extremely serious and assured that relief and rescue operations have been intensified across the affected areas.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash