Assam flood toll 89 as 26 districts hit by surging rivers
Guwahati, July 23: As many as 89 people have lost their lives as the major rivers including the mighty Brahmaputra are in spate since last some days due to heavy rainfall in their catchment areas.
Out of the 33 districts 26 are affected badly by the flooding rivers marooning lakhs of people in 2525 villages in the state, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
The surging floodwaters of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries have destroyed the crop over 1,15,515.25 hectares of arable land.
The floods have taken their toll of lives in the national park where 120 animals have perished in the famous Kaziranga National Park. The forest officials have rescued 147 other animals from the Eastern Assam Forest Division. Many animals from the national park were seen migrating to higher places by crossing the streets after water entered Kaziranga.
Currently, 45,281 people are being helped through 391 relief camps/distribution centers.
The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), Circle Offices, and locals have rescued 452 people so far. The rising water levels have damaged embankments, roads, bridges, and culverts, among other constructions like houses, etc. in the state.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, through video conferencing, on Wednesday, in which the information was conveyed.
PM assures all help: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while laying the foundation stone for the ambitious water supply project in Manipur through video conferencing, asserted that everyone is with the Northeast, as the region battles the dual challenge of floods and COVID-19. Acknowledging the fact that the Northeast is battling twin challenges - Covid-19 and flood, PM Modi lamented that several people have had to leave their homes due to the floods. "I assure you that everyone is with you in this difficult time," said the prime minister.