NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the death toll from this year’s floods has risen to 66 even as the flood situation showed signs of improvement across the state with water levels receding in several affected districts. More than 6.54 lakh people continue to be affected across six districts, while the state BJP has launched a Rs 12 crore relief campaign to provide clothing to flood-hit families.Addressing the media, Sarma confirmed that 66 people have died in the floods, including one person in Guwahati Urban. “So far, 66 persons, including one person in Guwahati Urban, have died in floods in the state,” he said.The chief minister announced that the Assam BJP would distribute two lakh Mekhela-Chadors to women and clothes to two lakh children affected by the floods in some of the worst-hit districts.
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He appealed to party workers to actively participate in relief efforts and contribute towards the fundraising campaign.
BJP targets Rs 12 crore for relief material
Sarma said the party aims to raise Rs 12 crore to procure relief material for flood victims, particularly women and children in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat districts.“I appeal to all BJP workers of Assam to get involved in flood relief operations. From the Assam State BJP, we have decided to provide 2 lakh Mekhela-Chador to 2 lakh women and clothes to 2 lakh children who have been affected by the flood. We need Rs 12 crore for it,” he said.The chief minister also outlined how party members could contribute to the initiative.“I appeal to the BJP Karyakartas, who want to donate below Rs 2000, to give the amount to their local MLAs, and those who want to donate above Rs 2000 can deposit their cheques to the party’s account number, and we will give the account number on social media,” Sarma added.Expressing confidence that the target would be achieved within days, Sarma said support had already begun pouring in from BJP workers across Assam and other parts of the country.“We have targeted to collect Rs 12 crore for it. BJP Karyakartas will help to collect this amount. BJP Karyakartas from various parts of Assam and outside Assam have assured us to help us. We are very much hopeful that within the next 4-5 days we will be able to collect this amount and to help the flood-affected people of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Jorhat districts,” he said.
Flood situation improves as waters recede
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the flood situation improved on Sunday as water levels receded in most flood-hit areas of Upper Assam after rainfall stopped in many parts of the state.Officials said the improvement was particularly visible in Charaideo, Sivasagar and Jorhat districts, raising hopes that relief operations would become more effective.“We hope the situation would improve further during the day. This would help us provide relief in a better way,” an ASDMA official said.Despite the improvement, more than 6,54,800 people remain affected in Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Sivasagar districts.Sivasagar remains the worst-affected district with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted, followed by Charaideo with around 1.9 lakh and Jorhat with approximately 1.3 lakh affected residents.The number of affected people has declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts recorded on Friday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall flood situation.
Death toll reaches 66 as four more people die
ASDMA’s latest flood bulletin said four more people died in the past 24 hours, taking this year’s flood death toll to 66. Three of the fatalities were reported from Sivasagar district and one from Charaideo.The authority said 810 villages remain submerged while floodwaters have damaged 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land across the state.Floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several districts. The Dikhow River at Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continue to flow above the danger mark.
Relief operations continue across affected districts
Authorities said 274 relief camps and distribution centres are currently operational across six districts, sheltering 18,902 displaced people.Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, Assam Police and civil administration.During the past 24 hours, the state administration distributed 1,668.68 quintals of rice, 286.99 quintals of dal, 83.75 quintals of salt and 7,995.01 litres of mustard oil among flood-affected families.Chief Minister Sarma said the administration had now been able to reach almost all flood-hit areas as water levels gradually receded. He also confirmed that an inter-ministerial central team had arrived in Assam to assess the damage caused by floods in Upper Assam.
PM Modi reviews flood situation for second consecutive day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to review the flood situation in Assam, a day after speaking with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and assuring the state of full central support.Sharing details of the conversation on X, Sonowal said the prime minister enquired about the ground situation while he was visiting flood-hit areas in Dibrugarh.“I am currently in Dibrugarh, visiting the affected areas, assessing the ground situation and standing with our affected brothers and sisters,” Sonowal said.He added that an inter-ministerial team had already reached Assam and was visiting the affected districts to assess the damage.“The Modi Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Assam and has assured all necessary support for relief and rehabilitation. I extend my deepest gratitude to PM Modi ji for his constant concern and unwavering support,” Sonowal added.Earlier on Saturday, Sonowal reviewed relief operations at camps in flood-affected areas and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare, food, drinking water and other essential services for displaced residents.
