Guwahati, 10 August (HS): The flood situation in Assam continues to affect normal life, particularly in Upper Assam, even as the state government has begun assessing damage to property and infrastructure. Two more flood-related deaths were reported on Sunday, taking the death toll to 101.

According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh and Golaghat and the Kushiyara River at Sribhumi are still flowing above the danger mark. One body each was recovered from Golaghat and Karbi Anglong districts.

Flooding currently persists across 10 districts — Golaghat, Sivasagar, Hojai, Darrang, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, Charaideo, Nagaon and Biswanath. A total of 456 villages under 28 revenue circles remain affected, with around 1.37 lakh people impacted and 11,933.46 hectares of agricultural land submerged.

The state government has kept 52 relief camps and 73 relief distribution centres operational. Around 8,000 people are taking shelter in relief camps, while 41,061 non-camp residents are receiving relief assistance.

Floodwaters have also affected 43,329 animals, including 15,764 large animals, 18,067 small animals and 9,498 poultry. Two animals have reportedly been washed away in Golaghat district.

Sivasagar has reported extensive damage to houses and other structures. According to the August 9 assessment, 142 kutcha houses and 34 pucca houses were completely damaged, while 241 kutcha and 99 pucca houses suffered partial damage. Besides, 25 other huts and 245 cattle sheds were damaged.

The SDRF, Army and paramilitary forces, NDRF, DDRF, Air Force, police, Fire and Emergency Services, civil defence personnel, trained volunteers and local administration continue to be engaged in relief and rescue operations. The state government deployed 59 medical teams in flood-affected areas on Saturday. Ten boats were also engaged in rescue operations, evacuating 107 people to safer locations.

Relief materials distributed among affected people included 710.438 quintals of rice, 127.851 quintals of pulses, 38.3436 quintals of salt and 3,773.7 litres of mustard oil. Animal feed, including 16 quintals of green fodder, 632.268 quintals of wheat bran and 37.2 quintals of rice bran, was also distributed.

Floods 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 coordinating with officials to ensure relief and assistance reach the affected population.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash