The flood situation in Assam remained critical on Thursday despite receding waters in several parts of the state, with the death toll rising to 78 and more than three lakh people still affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland over the next three days, raising concerns of fresh flooding in vulnerable districts.
"There was no rain in most of the flood-hit Upper Assam districts.
So, water level continued to recede from the inundated villages, giving some respite to villagers," an official of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.
The authority's daily flood bulletin issued on Wednesday night said three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours two from Sivasagar district and one from Golaghat. With these, the toll in this year's flood has reached 78.
Altogether 3,00,031 people remained affected, with Charaideo being the worst-hit with 1,37,561 people impacted, followed by Sivasagar (84,600) and Jorhat (49,911).
More than 16,500 displaced people were taking shelter in 71 relief camps. Another 30 relief distribution centres were catering to over 72,000 people.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday dialled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take stock of the flood situation, while the latter said that although floodwaters have receded, many are unable to return as their houses have either been damaged or filled with mud and silt.
Shah, who called Sarma for the second time in seven days, assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre for relief and restoration efforts.
Multiple agencies, including medical and veterinary teams, remained pressed in rescue operations in the affected areas.
A crop area of 21,523.08 hectares remained submerged. More than 11,000 animals have been washed away, while another 17,000 have been affected.
Damage to various infrastructure, including embankments, houses, roads, schools and other public property, was also reported from various parts, the ASDMA bulletin added.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms from July 30 to August 1 at isolated places across Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which may affect the Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur.
The ASDMA urged people of the districts concerned to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant, and said the status of the situation would be updated on its official website and on all its social media handles from time to time for general awareness.
(With Inputs from PTI)
