Morigaon: People carrying their belongings cross a flood-affected area on a boat, in Morigaon district, Assam. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: With parts of Assam continuing to reel under floods, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state government has requested the Army and the Air Force to remain on standby to assist in evacuating people from flood-hit districts.Sarma added that he has instructed four cabinet colleagues to rush to Upper Assam to oversee rescue and relief efforts in the three districts hit by the latest wave of floods.”As the flood situation in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat continues to worsen, the Government of Assam has requested the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to be on standby to support evacuation and rescue operations, if required,” he posted.He directed ministers Ajanta Neog, Bimal Borah, Keshab Mahanta and Susanta Borgohain to immediately reach the affected areas to supervise relief efforts and ensure timely assistance reaches every affected family.”The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority. I am monitoring the situation round the clock, and we will take every necessary step to protect lives and provide all possible relief,” Sarma added.Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain across the northeastern states, including Assam, over the next few days.With heavy rain forecast for Guwahati and several other Assam districts over the next three to four days, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) also urged residents to remain alert. “Daily commuters and long-distance travellers are requested to plan their routines accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall.Residents in low-lying and hillside areas should stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides,” ASDMA said in an advisory on Sunday.The body also asked local authorities to allow employees to leave early if required. It warned that moderate to heavy rain of 6cm to 12cm in 24 hours, along with thunderstorms and lightning, could worsen waterlogging, flooding, flash floods, traffic snarls and localised landslides in vulnerable areas.(With PTI inputs)
