Guwahati, 13 August (HS): The flood situation in Assam has gradually improved, with water levels in most rivers receding to near-normal levels. However, the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark. Flood-affected residents have started returning home, but extensive damage to houses and the accumulation of two to three feet of mud have made rehabilitation difficult.
According to the latest data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), floods are currently affecting seven districts, with 433 villages under 24 revenue circles impacted. A total of 86,832 people remain affected, while 10,884.27 hectares of agricultural land are submerged.
Two more bodies were recovered on Wednesday, one from Sivasagar and another from Karbi Anglong, taking the state's flood-related death toll to 104.
The state government has kept 42 relief camps and 37 relief distribution centres operational. As many as 7,216 people are staying in relief camps, while 5,795 non-camp residents are receiving assistance from relief distribution centres.
Floodwaters have also affected 32,944 animals, including 15,839 large animals, 11,514 small animals and 5,591 poultry birds.
The floods have caused significant damage to houses and infrastructure. In Sivasagar, 122 kutcha houses and 10 pucca houses were reported completely damaged. A total of 436 partially damaged kutcha houses were reported in Sivasagar and Nagaon, while 75 partially damaged pucca houses were reported in Sivasagar.
SDRF, DDRF, police, Fire and Emergency Services, circle offices, local administration and trained civil defence volunteers continue to remain engaged in rescue and relief operations. The state government deployed 63 medical teams in the affected areas, while five boats were used for relief operations. A total of 113 people were rescued by boats and moved to safer locations.
Relief materials distributed among affected people included rice, pulses, salt and mustard oil, along with wheat and rice bran for livestock.
The floods have also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the state. The government is reviewing the situation and assessing the damage, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and several ministers holding meetings with officials to ensure relief and rehabilitation measures for affected communities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
