Floods – Central Team Reviews Assam Damage as Relief Measures Expand
Floods –A Central Government team has completed an on-ground inspection of flood-hit areas in Assam’s Golaghat district, marking an important step in evaluating the scale of destruction and determining financial assistance for the state. The visit comes as authorities continue relief operations and monitor the impact of one of the season’s most severe flood events.
Central Team Conducts Ground Assessment
A six-member inter-ministerial delegation, headed by a Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs, toured several flood-affected locations in Golaghat district to examine the damage caused by the recent flooding. During the visit, the officials interacted with the district administration to review the extent of losses, relief measures already in place, and the immediate needs of affected communities.
Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta said the inspection is a significant part of the process for securing financial support from the Centre. He explained that the team’s findings will be compiled into a report, which will help determine the assistance to be provided by the Central Government for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Flood Death Toll Rises Across the State
The human impact of the floods continues to grow, with the death toll reaching 75 after seven more people lost their lives in Sivasagar district on Tuesday. According to the latest update from the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), all seven fatalities were caused by drowning.
Officials reported that seven districts remain among the worst affected by the floods. These include Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Kamrup (Metropolitan), where rescue, relief, and recovery operations are continuing amid difficult conditions.
Thousands of Residents and Farmland Affected
The latest official figures indicate that more than 332,000 people have been affected by the floods across 622 villages spread over 21 revenue circles. Large stretches of agricultural land remain under water, with nearly 45,342 hectares of crops submerged, creating serious concerns for farmers and the rural economy.
Water levels in the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continue to remain above the danger mark. However, authorities noted that no river in the state has crossed its highest flood level so far. Monitoring teams are keeping a close watch on river conditions as rainfall patterns continue to influence the flood situation.
State Announces Expanded Relief Package
In response to the growing crisis, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled a comprehensive assistance package aimed at supporting affected families. He said the government is committed to helping residents recover from the disaster and rebuild their lives.
Under the revised relief measures, families of those who died in flood-related incidents will no longer be required to submit post-mortem reports to receive the standard ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh. In addition, the state government will provide another Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, increasing the total financial assistance to Rs 9 lakh for eligible families.
The government also announced that families of individuals who remain missing for more than 30 days because of the floods will qualify for Rs 4 lakh in ex-gratia support.
Financial Aid for Families and Students
To address immediate needs, more than one lakh severely affected households will receive Rs 15,000 in direct cash assistance for essential expenses. The state has also confirmed that the Orunodoi welfare scheme will restart on August 1, with beneficiaries in Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat, and Sivasagar receiving a special payment of Rs 2,500.
Special support has also been announced for students in flood-affected districts. Beginning August 1, eligible students will receive book grants ranging from Rs 1,000 for Higher Secondary students to Rs 5,000 for postgraduate students. Free textbooks, assistance for school uniforms, and replacement of lost Class X and Class XII marksheets and certificates at no cost will also be provided to help students continue their education without additional hardship.