New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to the chief ministers of Assam and Sikkim, along with the Governor of Manipur, on Tuesday to take stock of the severe flood situation gripping the northeastern states. The calls came amidst a relentless spell of heavy rainfall that has unleashed widespread devastation, displacing thousands and posing significant challenges for rescue and relief operations.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided the Prime Minister with a detailed account of the ground realities, elaborating on the extensive impact of the unceasing rains and the comprehensive relief efforts being undertaken by the state government to aid affected families. He also highlighted the hurdles faced in managing the flood crisis and executing rescue missions effectively. “I briefed him on how continuous rainfall in Assam and adjoining states has led to flooding and impacted many lives. I also apprised him of the relief operation undertaken by the state government,” CM Sarma conveyed through a post on his official X handle.
Expressing his deep concern for the flood victims, Prime Minister Modi reassured Chief Minister Sarma of the Central government’s unwavering support in the state’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation endeavours. The Prime Minister’s prompt intervention and assurance have been widely lauded by the state administration, bolstering their morale during these trying times. “Grateful for his guidance and unwavering support to the people of Assam,” CM Sarma further expressed on X, acknowledging the Prime Minister’s steadfast backing which he stated provides a significant boost to both the government machinery and the populace.
Beyond Assam, Prime Minister Modi also engaged in a conversation with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who subsequently took to X to express his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s concern regarding the flood and landslide situation in his state. “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my heartiest gratitude for your kind concern and support regarding the landslide and flood situation in the state. Our state administration remains fully committed to managing the situation and providing all necessary assistance to those affected. Thank you once again for your kind concern, Sir,” read CM Tamang’s post.
In Sikkim, the state government has officially declared the extensive damage caused by continuous rainfall in the Mangan district since May 28 as a “disaster,” invoking Section 22(2)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The severity of the situation was underscored by a tragic incident on Sunday evening, where three army personnel lost their lives and six others went missing after a landslide, triggered by heavy rain, struck an Indian Army camp at Chaten in Lachen town.
Meanwhile, in Manipur, a coordinated effort involving the Fire Service, Assam Rifles, SDRF, NDRF, and the Indian Army is underway to evacuate stranded medical students and staff from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal. The campus has been severely impacted by widespread waterlogging, a direct consequence of the continuous heavy rainfall lashing the region.