Assam Floods: Toll Rises to 82, Over 1.9 Lakh Affected Across Five Districts

Guwahati, August 1: The flood situation in Assam continued on Saturday with the death toll climbing to 82 after two more fatalities were reported from Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. Around 1.92 lakh people remain affected in five districts, though officials noted an improvement from Thursday when over two lakh people were impacted across eight districts.

The districts of Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Charaideo are still reeling under the deluge. Official data shows Charaideo is the worst-hit with 77,456 people affected, followed by Sivasagar (63,492), Jorhat (34,067), Golaghat and Nagaon. The Dikhow and Dhansiri rivers have been reported in a 'severe flood situation' at Sivasagar and Numaligarh in Golaghat, prompting authorities to urge people to stay away from these water bodies.

Relief operations are underway with multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), assisting the affected population. Approximately 13,000 people have taken shelter in 54 relief camps, while 26 relief distribution centres are catering to 5,384 people.

The state government has announced a series of financial measures to help those affected. A meeting with private and government insurance companies has been convened for August 5 to expedite settlement of claims for damaged vehicles, livestock and other property. The same day, the government will also meet non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to request a moratorium for borrowers in the affected districts.

These measures come after a special meeting of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, where it was decided to offer a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for all flood-affected people in the four worst-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat.

In a social media post, Chief Minister Sarma said that ₹41.67 crore has been approved under the PM Surya Ghar pending state subsidy for 9,289 beneficiaries in the flood-affected areas. He directed the Power Department to ensure that the Assam Power Distribution Corporation Ltd transfers the amount directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts by Tuesday, August 4.

The government is also focusing on swift assessment of damage to facilitate early disbursal of funds for repair work. Officials said that the flood situation has improved since Thursday, but the continued overflow of certain rivers remains a cause for concern. As the monsoon season progresses, authorities are maintaining vigilance and relief efforts.