Asom CM says flood situation grim, but relief adequate

Guwahati, July 31 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the government was providing all possible relief to the flood-hit people even as the flood situation in the state remained grim.

Over 44 lakh people had been affected and 4,000 villages submerged in the second wave of flood that hit the state this monsoon. As many as 15 people had drowned so far.

As many as 24 districts out of the total 27 in the state had been affected. The three districts spared so far were Udalguri, Chirang and North Cachar Hills.

Mr Gogoi said the Deputy Commissioners had been instructed to ensure relief to all the affected people and the government was constantly monitoring the situation.

The Army had been pressed into rescue and relief operations. It was on a standby for air-dropping essential items if the need arose, government sources here said.

He said there was no serious complaints of food shortage from any parts of the state as yet and there was ample supply of essential commodities and medicines.

''There had been reports of shortage of kerosene oil in certain parts of the state and I have already taken up this issue with Union Minister Murli Deora,'' the Chief Minister said.

He had also discussed the matter of rice supply to the state with the FCI officials and the Chief Secretary monitoring the developments. Mr Gogoi also said, ''We have adequate stock of basic amenities and rescue and relief operations have been accorded top priority.'' He said the government would also be setting up a research wing for studying the flood and related patterns in the state to adequately prepare for handling flood situations.

As many as 52,070 people were sheltered in 385 relief camps and 264 temporary shelters operated, with 2,09,433 inmates. Total area of 5,35,586 hectares had been affected and close to 1,000 houses damaged. There had been 52 breaches of embankments and 211 PWD roads damaged so far, besides a 1.5 km national highway breach at three-four places near Bordoloni in Dhemaji district. Altogether 66 various types of bridges had been damaged.

UNI