Guwahati, July 20 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state government has adopted a “whole-of-government” approach to tackle the worsening flood situation in Upper Assam, asserting that protecting lives, rescuing stranded people and ensuring timely relief remain the administration’s top priorities.
As heavy rainfall pushed the Jaji, Dikhow and Dichang rivers above the danger mark, triggering widespread flooding in Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh and adjoining districts, Sarma said he was personally monitoring the situation in every affected Assembly constituency, including Titabar.
“I am personally monitoring the situation of the Titabar Assembly along with every flood-affected Assembly. Our representatives are staying alongside the people. Collective effort is our strongest weapon in tackling this crisis,” the Chief Minister said in a series of posts on X.
Sarma said ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior officials have been directed to remain on the ground until the situation normalises. Cabinet colleagues have been assigned to monitor relief operations in the affected districts, while district administrations are coordinating rescue, evacuation and rehabilitation efforts with disaster response agencies.
He said the government was reinforcing embankments at vulnerable locations by using sandbags, controlled piping and other flood protection measures to minimise damage to life and property.
The Chief Minister also said medical teams have been deployed across all flood-hit areas to conduct health screening of vulnerable groups, ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines and prevent the outbreak of water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
He added that the Health Department has been instructed to remain on the highest level of alert and maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and medical supplies.
Sarma said helpline numbers have been activated for affected districts, urging residents to contact authorities in case of emergencies.
He also said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), working in coordination with district administrations, is carrying out rescue operations and extending relief support to flood-affected families.
The Chief Minister said the government is focusing on shifting people to safer locations as water levels continue to rise and ensuring timely assistance, particularly for affected farmers.
“The safety of people is our utmost priority. We are committed to ensuring that relief and rehabilitation reach every affected family without delay,” Sarma said, adding that all departments would continue to remain on the ground until the flood situation improves.
–IANS
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