Assam flood toll rises to 97; over 1.68 lakh affected, 481 villages submerged

GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam remained critical as two more people died, taking this year's flood-related death toll to 97, while the number of affected people rose to over 1.68 lakh across 15 districts, according to an official bulletin.As per news agency PTI, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported one death each from Golaghat and Udalguri districts during the last 24 hours.According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority's (ASDMA) daily flood report, more than 1.68 lakh people remain affected across 15 districts — Golaghat, Sivasagar, Udalguri, Kamrup Metropolitan, Nagaon, Kamrup, Darrang, Sonitpur, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Jorhat, Charaideo, Karbi Anglong and Dhemaji.Golaghat is the worst-hit district, with nearly 54,000 people affected, followed by Sivasagar with over 49,000 and Jorhat with around 27,000.The number of affected people has risen from around 1.6 lakh across 14 districts reported on Wednesday.The ASDMA said 133 relief camps and relief distribution centres are currently operational in six districts, providing shelter and assistance to around 45,000 displaced people.According to the ASDMA, floodwaters continue to inundate 481 villages and have damaged 14,382.26 hectares of cropland across the state.The authority said the Dhansiri River was flowing above the danger level at Numaligarh. The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several districts.Additionally, the deluge has affected 41,475 domestic animals and poultry across the state, the ASDMA said.Meanwhile, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Thursday expressed grief over the devastating floods in Assam and announced a contribution of Rs 3 crore to the state's Chief Minister's Relief Fund.In a letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Soren said the Jharkhand government and its people stand in solidarity with Assam during this difficult time.He also appealed to the people and institutions of Jharkhand to extend support to those affected by the floods in the northeastern state."In this hour of crisis (floods), the government of Jharkhand and the people of the state stand firmly with Assam. In the spirit of cooperation for relief and rehabilitation efforts, the government of Jharkhand has contributed Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Assam," Soren posted on X.The CM said he was "deeply distressed by the grave crisis arising out of the devastating floods in Assam"."On behalf of the people of Jharkhand, I express profound condolences to the affected families for the irreparable loss of lives and property in this disaster," he said.(With agency inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Guwahati | Silver Rate in Guwahati | Bank Holidays in Guwahati | Public Holidays in Guwahati | Guwahati AQI | Weather in Guwahati | Petrol Price in Guwahati | Diesel Price in Guwahati | CNG Price in Guwahati | LPG Price in GuwahatiStay updated with the latest Guwahati news. Download the TOI App.