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Assam flood toll rises to 135 after 8 more die; rain abates
Officials, however, said the flooding situation is improving since rain has declined over the past week. Silchar however, remains the worst-affected area.
The death toll from rain-related incidents in Assam rose to 135 with eight more deaths in four districts on Monday, according to the state disaster management authority.
Officials, however, said the flooding situation is improving since rain has declined over the past week. Silchar however, remains the worst-affected area. Overall, more than 2.2 million people across 22 districts are still affected by floods, said Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Of the eight deaths on Monday, five were reported from Cachar district while one death each was reported in Kamrup, Morigaon and Nagaon district. One person in Cachar is still missing, according to the ASDMA. Cachar deputy commissioner Keerthi Jalli said that if the weather improves over the next two days, they would be able to pump out water from very low-lying areas in Silchar. “We have arranged for HP pumps from Tea Gardens already. We are planning for mega health camps to prevent onslaught of disease post-flood. With Silchar Municipal Board, we have a ward-wise action plan for ensuring that the city remains sanitised,” she said.
She added that relief was being sent to all places accessible by road to transfer to adjacent areas. “By Air, we have tried to cover flat roof areas across the town. We are focusing for nearby delivery with a request for taking up distribution to local volunteers, or through ropes and human chain and now, we are exploring drone technology as well.”
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with other ministers has been visiting flood-affected areas while security forces and other agencies are engaged are active in rescue operations.
Doctors are also expecting a surge in hospitalisations. Speaking from the Red Cross hospital in Silchar, Dr Vishal Das said, “I have been on duty since last Monday and I could hardly sleep. Patients are coming in large numbers and it is expected to go higher.”
