Dibrugarh: The flood situation in Assam has shown signs of improvement, but the disaster has claimed seven more lives, taking this year’s cumulative death toll to 75 from 68 reported earlier.
According to the latest DRIMS Assam Flood Report dated July 28, floods are currently affecting seven districts—Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup (Metro).
A total of 21 revenue circles and 622 villages remain inundated, with 3,32,639 people affected. Around 45,341.98 hectares of cropland remain submerged.
The report states that 115 relief camps and relief distribution centres are operational across the affected districts.
As many as 32,477 people are taking shelter in relief camps, while relief materials continue to be distributed in flood-hit areas.
Sivasagar remains the worst-affected district, accounting for all seven flood-related deaths reported in the latest DRIMS bulletin. The Dhansiri (South) River at Numaligarh is still flowing above the danger level, although no river is currently above the highest flood level.
Authorities are continuing rescue, relief and restoration work as floodwaters gradually recede in several areas.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for affected families, including enhanced ex gratia, cash assistance, educational support and compensation for damaged property.
Under the package, families of those who died in flood-related incidents will receive the statutory ₹4 lakh ex gratia without the requirement of a post-mortem. Families of persons missing for more than 30 days will also be eligible for the ₹4 lakh ex gratia, subject to the prescribed legal process.
The Chief Minister also announced that Orunodoi assistance will resume from August 1, with beneficiaries in Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat and Sivasagar receiving ₹2,500 for the month.
In addition, the state government will provide an extra ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of the deceased, over and above the statutory ₹4 lakh compensation.
More than one lakh severely flood-affected families will receive ₹15,000 each as immediate cash assistance to meet essential needs.
Sharing the update on X, Sarma said, “As Assam battled an unprecedented flood, people from across the state and the country stood firmly with us. So far, ₹26,58,00,000 has been contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Every rupee will go towards rebuilding the lives of those affected.”
“Every flood-affected family in the worst-hit districts will receive ₹15,000 as immediate interim assistance. This support will be extended to all eligible families, including government employees, ASHA workers, Mid-Day Meal workers and others,” he added.
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