Guwahati, 14 August (HS): The flood situation in Assam has improved considerably, although the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger mark. According to the latest Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) data, floods are currently affecting seven districts, with 77,542 people in 370 villages still impacted.

The affected districts are Golaghat, Sivasagar, Nagaon, Hojai, Jorhat, Darrang and Lakhimpur. Floodwaters have submerged 9,908.85 hectares of agricultural land across 22 revenue circles. The flood-related death toll in the state stands at 104.

The state government has kept 38 relief camps and 32 relief distribution centres operational. A total of 6,639 people are currently taking shelter in relief camps, while 719 non-camp residents are receiving assistance at distribution centres.

As of Thursday, 45,536 animals had been affected, including 23,816 large animals, 17,440 small animals and 4,280 poultry. Four small animals were swept away by floodwaters in Golaghat district.

In Sivasagar, 125 kutcha houses and 10 pucca houses were reported completely damaged. Another 220 kutcha and 87 pucca houses suffered partial damage. Eight other huts and 27 cattle sheds were also damaged.

SDRF, DDRF, police, Fire and Emergency Services, circle offices, local administration and trained civil defence volunteers remain engaged in rescue and relief operations. The government deployed 59 medical teams in flood-affected areas on Thursday. Five boats were also engaged in relief operations, rescuing 119 people and taking them to safer locations.

Relief materials distributed among affected people included 17.346 quintals of rice, 3.108 quintals of pulses, 0.9324 quintals of salt, 68.76 litres of mustard oil and 556.25 quintals of wheat bran for livestock.

Floods have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The state government is continuing review meetings and assessing the situation to expedite restoration and repair work.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash