Assam flood toll rises to 13, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi makes aerial survey

PTI GUWAHATI, AUGust 23 Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today made an aerial survey of severely flood affected districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Goalpara and Dhubri districts even as the death toll in the floods rose to 13. After an aerial survey of more than two hours, the Chief Minister said the state government has stepped up rescue and relief operations in the state with all ministers and officials directed to visit the affected districts to monitor relief operations.He also lauded the role of NDRF and SDRF personnel for their all out efforts in rescuing marooned people. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Secretary V K Pipersenia, Assam State Disaster Management Authority chairman P K Tiwari and other senior officials, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said. The current wave of floods has affected 18 districts with the worst hit being Dhubri, Goalpara, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts and claiming 13 lives so far, an official report said here. The flood has affected a population of 6.16 lakh people with 1291 villages inundated. Altogether 260 relief camps have been opened so far with 1.79 lakh inmates taking shelter in these camps. The Chief Minister further said the Centre was yet to release a sizeable chunk of funds sought by the state government for infrastructure damages caused by floods last year and has only released Rs 380 crore so far. “We have submitted memoranda to the Central Government, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, but have not received the funds sought by us for huge infrastructure damage caused by floods last year,” he said. Gogoi, however, pointed out that there was no constraint of funds constraints in providing relief to the affected. “We have funds for relief work. What we require from the Central Government is sufficient funds for building up the infrastructure such as roads, bridges, school buildings, health centres, dwelling houses and embankments damaged by floods last year and proper rehabilitation of the flood-hit people,” he said. The Chief Minister said the first priority of the government is providing relief to the flood-hit people and he has instructed the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to leave no stone unturned to extend all possible help to the affected, especially the children and women. “Restoration of surface communication and repairing of breached embankments have also been accorded priorities,” he added. Gogoi said the Government would prepare an assessment report highlighting the damages and rebuilding exercise only after the flood waters recede.