The death toll in the flash floods and landslides in Assam, caused by excessive rain in the Garo hills of Meghalaya, has mounted to 31, with 16 bodies — 10 in Kamrup district and six in Goalpara — recovered on Wednesday.
Fourteen deaths have been reported in Goalpara, 12 in Kamrup, four in the city areas of Kamrup (Metropolitan) district and one in Dhubri.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain told The Hindu that four lakh people had been affected in Kamrup and 2.11 lakh in Goalpara.
As many as 78 relief camps had been opened in Goalpara and 54 in Kamrup.
Mr. Hussain and Agriculture Minister Nilamani Sen Deka, who visited Goalpara, announced an ex gratia of Rs. 3.5 lakh ( Rs. 1.5 lakh from the State and Rs. 2 lakh from the Centre) for the next of kin of those killed.
Crop damage“We have asked all departments to assess the damage to the standing crop and individual and public properties for drawing a comprehensive rehabilitation and restoration plan,” Mr. Hussain said.
Some areas were still flooded. Scores of damaged heavy and light vehicles spoke volumes for the devastation in Goalpara. The rising waters touched the roofs of houses in most villages.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called up Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and enquired about the situation.
