Guwahati, 15 August (HS): The flood situation in Assam is showing significant improvement, with all major rivers flowing below the danger level. However, 78,637 people across seven districts remain affected, while the flood death toll has risen to 105 following the recovery of another body in Sivasagar district.

According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) for August 14, floods continue to affect Nagaon, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Kamrup, Hojai, Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts. A total of 331 villages under 20 revenue circles remain affected, while 8,268.71 hectares of agricultural land are still submerged.

The state government is operating 31 relief camps and 37 relief distribution centres. A total of 5,057 people are taking shelter in relief camps, while 16,703 non-camp residents are receiving relief through distribution centres.

Relief and rescue operations continue with the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Response Force (DDRF), police and fire and emergency services. On Friday, 44 medical teams were deployed in flood-affected areas, while five boats remained engaged in rescue and relief operations. A total of 117 people were rescued by boats and moved to safer locations.

The government distributed 290.541 quintals of rice, 52.848 quintals of pulses, 15.8544 quintals of salt, 123.3 litres of mustard oil and 214.2 quintals of wheat bran as cattle feed among affected people.

The floods have also affected livestock, with 42,105 animals reported affected, including 21,924 large animals, 16,589 small animals and 3,592 poultry birds. One animal was reported washed away in floodwaters in Golaghat district.

Sivasagar has reported substantial damage to houses, including 117 fully damaged kucha houses, 82 fully damaged pucca houses, 184 partially damaged kutcha houses and 96 partially damaged pucca houses. Twelve cattle sheds have also been damaged.

The floods have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the state. Repair and restoration work is being undertaken on a priority basis, while efforts are also underway to clean and repair schools in affected areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and other state ministers are holding regular meetings with officials to monitor the situation and ensure necessary assistance reaches flood-affected communities. As people begin returning home from relief camps, the government is also accelerating road restoration, debris and silt removal and other rehabilitation measures.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash