Guwahati: The flood situation in Assam showed some easing on Wednesday even as the human cost mounted, with the death toll rising to 75 after seven more fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, officials said. The number of affected people, however, dipped to 3.32 lakh.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, seven districts — Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup Metropolitan — are still reeling under floodwaters, covering 21 revenue circles and 622 villages. Charaideo remains the worst-affected district with 1.42 lakh people impacted, followed by Sivasagar at 97,074 and Jorhat at 57,371.
The seven deaths reported on Tuesday occurred in Nazria revenue circle of Sivasagar district. On Monday, six districts were affected and the number of impacted people stood at 4.45 lakh, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Relief, Rescue Steps
As many as 81 relief camps are currently functioning, sheltering 32,477 displaced people, while 34 relief distribution centres are also operational. Army, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services personnel and civil volunteers are involved in rescue and relief work.
Crop losses have been extensive, with 45,341.98 hectares of farmland submerged. Damage has also been reported to houses, cattle sheds, schools and anganwadi centres.
To keep telecom services running in flood-hit areas, the intra-circle roaming facility has been extended in Sivasagar until 11.59 pm on July 30 or until further orders.
Higher Aid Announced
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said special attention was being given to children in relief camps so that they do not lose out on learning and play during the crisis.
“Creating a congenial atmosphere for children in relief camps remains our focus. Dedicated spaces for learning and playing are helping ensure that the impact of floods does not interrupt their childhood,” Sarma said in a social media post on Wednesday, sharing pictures of children participating in learning activities at relief camps.
In a Facebook Live address on Tuesday evening, Sarma also announced relaxations in the rules for ex-gratia payments to the next of kin of those killed or missing in the floods. He said the requirement of a post-mortem report had been waived and that a certificate from the circle officer would be enough.
“Over and above the Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia per victim that is paid at present, we have decided to give an additional Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” Sarma said.
For those missing in the floods, the government will provide Rs 9 lakh to their families if the bodies are not recovered within a month, with the circle officer authorised to issue the necessary certificate.
Families badly affected in the four worst-hit districts — Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat — will get interim assistance of Rs 15,000 for household needs.
Students in Sivasagar and Charaideo will again receive support for free uniforms and textbooks, while higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate students will also get financial help to buy books.