Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday flagged off relief materials for flood-affected families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat districts, stating that the initiative was entirely organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and supported by contributions from party workers and their families.
Addressing a gathering, the Chief Minister said BJP members had contributed nearly 1.8 lakh T-shirts and 1.5 lakh mosquito nets for distribution among flood-affected families.
He said the relief materials were collected through grassroots-level contributions and described the initiative as a small effort to support people affected by the floods. Sarma added that the party would continue similar relief efforts in the coming days.
The Chief Minister noted that the flood situation had improved after rainfall stopped following July 21, but said the scale of damage across the affected districts remained extensive.
Meanwhile, the Nepalikuti area in Assam’s Sivasagar district continues to face severe hardships in the aftermath of the floods triggered by the overflowing Dikhow river.
According to residents, floodwaters entered the area around 11 a.m. on July 19, washing away houses, agricultural land, cattle sheds, food grains, farming equipment, household belongings and livestock.
Agriculture and dairy farming, the primary sources of livelihood for many families, have been severely affected. Residents said the loss of cattle and buffaloes has left many households without a source of income. Dead animals reportedly remain in some cattle sheds, raising concerns about foul odour and the possible spread of disease.
Locals said the rapid rise in water levels forced many people to take shelter on the tin roofs of their homes before several houses collapsed in the strong current. According to residents, around nine to ten people have either died or remain missing, while several families are still awaiting information about their loved ones.
Krishna Sharma, a resident of the area, said the floods caused widespread destruction, leaving many families without homes, food or livelihoods, and appealed to the government for immediate relief and compensation.
Although floodwaters have receded, residents said several feet of sand and silt have buried homes and belongings, making rehabilitation difficult. Many households also continue to face shortages of drinking water, food and shelter.
-ANI
