Guwahati, 11 August (HS): Flood-affected people in Assam are trying to rebuild their lives after losing homes and belongings in the deluge. While the state government is assessing damage to property and infrastructure, NGOs, citizens and volunteers are extending support to affected communities.

According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on August 10, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh and Golaghat and the Kushiyara River at Sribhumi were flowing above the danger mark. One more body was recovered in Sivasagar district on Monday, taking the flood-related death toll in the state to 102.

Flood conditions continue to affect 10 districts — Nagaon, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Hojai, Darrang, Karbi Anglong, Lakhimpur, Cachar, Charaideo and Jorhat. A total of 458 villages across 25 revenue circles remain affected, with 126,431 people impacted and 11,287.04 hectares of agricultural land submerged.

The state government has kept 89 relief facilities operational, including 48 relief camps and 41 relief distribution centres. As many as 8,447 people are taking shelter in relief camps, while 15,563 non-camp residents are receiving relief through distribution centres.

The flood has also affected 31,877 animals, including 11,888 large animals, 13,679 small animals and 6,310 poultry birds.

In Sivasagar, the floods have completely damaged 135 kutcha houses and 33 pucca houses. Another 248 kutcha houses and 216 pucca houses have been partially damaged. Besides, 16 other huts and 12 cattle sheds have also been damaged.

The SDRF, Army and paramilitary forces, NDRF, DDRF, Air Force, police, Fire and Emergency Services, local administration, Civil Defence personnel and trained volunteers are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The state government has deployed 58 medical teams in flood-affected areas, while four boats have been engaged in relief operations. Forty people were rescued by boats and shifted to safer locations.

Relief materials distributed among affected people included 260.364 quintals of rice, 46.548 quintals of pulses, 13.9728 quintals of salt, 725.27 litres of mustard oil and 1,396.07 quintals of wheat bran as cattle feed.

Floodwaters have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the state. The government is holding regular review meetings to assess the situation and expedite restoration work. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and several state ministers are also holding meetings with officials and monitoring relief and rehabilitation measures.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash