Guwahati, July 22 (IANS) Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday urged the state government to step up rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit areas, saying the priority should be to ensure timely assistance to every affected family.
Gogoi visited several flood-affected localities in his Jorhat parliamentary constituency, where he interacted with displaced residents, reviewed the situation on the ground and distributed relief materials among those affected by the deluge.
Expressing concern over the devastation caused by the floods, the Congress leader said large parts of Assam continue to face a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of families forced to leave their homes as rising waters inundated villages and damaged infrastructure.
“The flood situation in many parts of Assam, including Jorhat, remains extremely serious. Many people have lost their homes and livelihoods, while several families are mourning the loss of their loved ones,” Gogoi said.
The Congress MP said that he held discussions with local residents, volunteers and officials involved in relief operations to understand the immediate requirements of the affected population. He stressed that the government must ensure uninterrupted supply of relief materials, safe shelter, healthcare facilities and rehabilitation support for those displaced by the floods.
Gogoi also called for adequate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster and urged the authorities to accelerate restoration of essential services in flood-hit areas. He said the Congress would continue to monitor the situation closely and raise issues concerning the welfare of flood-affected people at every appropriate platform.
According to the latest flood update released by the Assam government, more than 7.27 lakh people have been affected across 25 districts between April 29 and July 21.
The floods have claimed 31 lives so far, while 95 relief camps are providing shelter to 18,574 displaced people. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, Assam Police and district administrations.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall at isolated places in Assam over the next four days, raising concerns that the flood situation could worsen in vulnerable areas.
–IANS
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