New Delhi/Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has extended a firm assurance of comprehensive support to the Assam government as the state grapples with an escalating flood situation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday confirmed that Shah had personally telephoned him to ascertain the ground reality and proffered all possible assistance to the flood-battered state.
“Hon’ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji called me a short while ago to enquire about the floods in Assam and has offered all possible assistance to deal with the ongoing situation. I have briefed him on the measures being taken, and we are grateful for his concern and support,” Sarma conveyed via a post on X, acknowledging the Centre’s prompt response.
The flood scenario across several districts in Assam remains grim, with the mighty Brahmaputra River breaching danger levels in Dibrugarh on June 1 itself, following relentless heavy rainfall over several days. This incessant downpour has not only triggered widespread flooding but also devastating landslides, cumulatively impacting over 58,000 people spread across 12 districts.
According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the current casualty count stands at eight fatalities. Three individuals have succumbed to the floods, while five have lost their lives in tragic landslides. Deaths have been reported from Golaghat, Lakhimpur, and Kamrup (Metro) districts. A heart-wrenching incident in Golaghat claimed the life of a child, while Kamrup (Metro) witnessed multiple fatalities attributed to landslides.
The inundation has severely affected 175 villages situated in districts such as Dhemaji, South Salmara, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong. As a direct consequence, over 7,000 displaced residents have sought refuge in 16 relief camps and distribution centres meticulously set up by the district authorities to provide immediate aid and shelter.
Preliminary damage assessments reveal a significant toll on agriculture, with 791.32 hectares of valuable farmland completely submerged under floodwaters. The devastating floods have also impacted nearly 76,000 animals, with a distressing count of 194 reported to have been washed away by the torrents.
In terms of infrastructure, the damage is considerable. Twenty-two roads and one crucial bridge have been rendered impassable, alongside multiple embankments and irrigation canals that have sustained significant damage. Educational institutions and Anganwadi centres have also borne the brunt of the floods, suffering structural impacts that will require substantial restoration efforts.
Urban areas have not been spared, with parts of Guwahati and other districts experiencing severe urban flooding, affecting close to 10,000 people. Emergency response teams, comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and local authorities, are tirelessly engaged in ongoing rescue and relief operations across all affected zones.
With meteorological forecasts predicting more rainfall in the coming days, the state remains on high alert. Officials are working relentlessly to mitigate the damage and ensure timely and adequate relief reaches all those affected by this unfolding natural calamity.