Guwahati, 30 July (HS): The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) concluded its on-ground assessment of flood damage in Assam after visiting the worst-affected districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat. The visit ended with a high-level review meeting chaired by Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota at Janata Bhawan in Dispur.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary and ASDMA Chief Executive Officer L. Sweety Changsan briefed the Central team on the recent flood situation, the factors behind the unprecedented disaster and the challenges faced during relief and rehabilitation. Senior officials from various state departments, central agencies, including the NDRF, Indian Army, NF Railways, FCI, BSNL and DoT, also attended the meeting, while district administrations joined virtually.

The six-member IMCT, led by M. Ramachandrudu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, visited Charaideo on July 26, Sivasagar on July 27, and Jorhat and Golaghat on July 28 to assess the extent of damage to livelihoods, infrastructure and public property.

The Assam Government informed on Thursday the team that the floods were unprecedented, particularly in Charaideo and Sivasagar, districts that had never been considered flood-prone. It attributed the disaster to exceptionally heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nagaland on July 19, including a 493% departure from normal rainfall in Mokokchung, coupled with intense localised rainfall in Assam.

The state also highlighted rescue operations carried out with the assistance of the SDRF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and local volunteers. Relief materials, including family kits containing rice, dal, mustard oil, salt and candles, are being supplied to the affected districts from neighbouring areas.

Officials informed the team that damage assessment is still underway and the final flood memorandum will be submitted to the Central Government after the flood season ends. The state also sought relaxation in SDRF assistance norms to support the worst-affected people.

The IMCT assured the Assam Government that its observations and findings would be submitted to the Central Government for further consideration.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash