Guwahati, 16 August (HS): The flood situation in Assam has improved significantly, with the impact now confined to five districts. According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) for August 15, all rivers in the state are flowing below the danger level.
The affected districts are Golaghat, Hojai, Nagaon, Sivasagar and Jorhat. Floodwaters have affected 235 villages across 16 revenue circles, with 62,443 people still affected. Around 4,954.43 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.
The death toll in the current flood season has reached 105, with Sivasagar recording the highest number of fatalities and the most significant damage.
The state government continues to operate 28 relief camps and nine relief distribution centres. A total of 4,877 people are currently taking shelter in relief camps, while 5,892 non-camp residents are receiving relief supplies from distribution centres.
Floodwaters have also affected 21,709 animals, including 10,996 large animals, 7,121 small animals and 3,592 poultry birds.
Sivasagar district has reported significant damage to houses and other structures. According to the August 15 assessment, 60 fully damaged kutcha houses and 49 fully damaged pucca houses were recorded. In addition, 149 kutcha and 62 pucca houses suffered partial damage. A total of 158 cattle sheds and other livestock shelters were also damaged.
The SDRF, DDRF, police, fire and emergency services and other agencies continue to be engaged in relief and rescue operations. The state government deployed 31 medical teams in flood-affected areas on Friday. Four boats were also engaged in relief operations, rescuing 94 people and moving them to safer locations.
Relief materials distributed among affected people included 103.02 quintals of rice, 18.213 quintals of pulses, 5.4639 quintals of salt and 27.54 litres of mustard oil.
Although the flood situation is improving, extensive damage has been reported to roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The state government is conducting regular review meetings and assessing the situation to expedite restoration and repair work.------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
