Assam flood crisis worsens as 75 dead; over 3.3 lakh people affected across seven districts
The flood situation in Assam has turned grimmer with the death toll climbing to 75 after seven more people drowned in Sivasagar district. As thousands remain affected across seven districts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced an enhanced relief package, including financial assistance of ₹9 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
Death toll climbs as seven more die in Sivasagar
The latest report from the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), released on July 28, said all seven recent fatalities were caused by drowning in Sivasagar district.
At present, seven districts—Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup (Metropolitan)—continue to face severe flooding.
The deluge has affected 3,32,639 people across 622 villages spread over 21 revenue circles. Floodwaters have also submerged 45,341.98 hectares of agricultural land, dealing a major blow to the state's farming sector.
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While the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh continues to flow above the danger level, no river has crossed the highest flood level mark so far.
Government announces enhanced compensation, cash assistance
Following the rise in casualties, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled a comprehensive relief package aimed at supporting affected families and accelerating rehabilitation.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "We will leave no stone unturned to support our people and help them rebuild their lives."
Under the revised measures, the state government has waived the mandatory post-mortem requirement for the release of the ₹4 lakh ex-gratia compensation in flood-related deaths.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced another ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, taking the total financial assistance for the families of deceased victims to ₹9 lakh.
Families of people who remain missing for more than 30 days will also be eligible to receive ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia.
The government has further announced ₹15,000 in cash assistance for more than one lakh severely flood-affected families to help meet immediate essential needs.
Students, farmers among key beneficiaries of relief package
The relief package also includes special measures for students and welfare beneficiaries in the worst-hit districts.
The 'Orunodoi' scheme will resume from August 1, with beneficiaries in Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat and Sivasagar receiving a special instalment of ₹2,500 for the month.
Students in severely affected districts will receive book grants ranging from ₹1,000 for Higher Secondary students to ₹5,000 for postgraduate students. The state government will also provide free textbooks, assistance for school uniforms, and reissue lost Class X and XII marksheets and certificates free of cost.
Meanwhile, the agriculture sector continues to bear the brunt of the floods, with over 45,000 hectares of crop area remaining underwater as authorities monitor river levels and continue relief operations.
(With inputs from ANI)