Guwahati : The flood situation across Assam continued to be grim as the toll rose to 13 on Sunday and 18 districts still remain inundated, officials said. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday undertook an aerial survey of the worst-affected districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Goalpara and Dhubri.
A total of 1,291 villages have been submerged so far, affecting 6.16 lakh people. The district administrations have opened 260 relief camps, housing 1.79 lakh people. Gogoi asked the concerned departments to expedite rescue and relief operations in all the flood-hit areas.
He praised the National Disaster Response Force and the army for their efforts in rescuing marooned people, and said ministers and officials have fanned out to the affected areas and were monitoring the relief operation, reports IANS.
The chief minister said the first priority of his government was providing relief to the flood-hit people. He said he has instructed the deputy commissioners of the affected districts to leave no stone unturned to extend all possible help to the affected people, especially children and women. “Restoration of surface communication and repair of breached embankments have also been accorded priorities,” he said.
“The Centre has only released Rs.380 crore so far. We submitted memoranda to the central government including the prime minister, but we have not received the funds sought by us,” the Chief Minister said.Gogoi said government would prepare an assessment report highlighting the damage only after waters recede.
