In Assam, recent floods have tragically claimed 82 lives, and 1.92 lakh people remain affected across several districts, including Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Charaideo. Officials confirmed two fatalities reported on Saturday.
The flood situation in the region has improved compared to Thursday, when over two lakh residents faced the deluge across eight districts. However, the Dikhow and Dhansiri rivers in Sivasagar and Numaligarh continue to face severe flooding, prompting authorities to advise area residents to maintain distance from affected waterways.
To mitigate the situation, around 13,000 people have found refuge in 54 relief camps established by local governments. Additionally, 26 relief distribution centres are operational, catering to 5,384 individuals in desperate need.
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are actively conducting relief operations. The commitment to assist those affected remains strong as the government mobilizes resources.
In a bid to expedite relief, the Assam state government is engaging with insurance companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to facilitate quicker claim resolutions and to grant a moratorium to customers in these flood-affected areas.
A swift assessment of damages is underway, allowing for the disbursement of necessary funds for repairs in a timely manner. Officials reported that Charaideo district has been the worst hit, with 77,456 individuals directly impacted. Sivasagar follows closely behind, affecting 63,492 residents, and Jorhat with 34,067.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the cabinet on Friday resolved to meet with private and state insurance firms on August 5. This gathering aims to push for the urgent settlement of insurance claims for vehicles, livestock, and property that suffered damage from the floods.
The government is reassuring victims by offering a six-month moratorium on loan repayments to those affected in the hardest-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat. This decision follows a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) chaired by Sarma.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Sarma shared in a social media post that over ₹41 crore has been approved under the PM Surya Ghar initiative, aimed at assisting flood-affected residents. Sarma emphasized, “As floods affect four districts of Assam, our government stands firmly with every affected family.”
He reassured that the amount will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts by Tuesday, as per directives given to the Power Department. This timely response underscores the urgency for assistance, as floods continue to disrupt lives in Assam.
