Assam floods: Eight killed, over four lakh affected; more rainfall on cards

NEW DELHI: Flood, heavy downpour and landslides have crippled Assam and other northeastern states, where at least 11 people have lost their lives so far and lakhs of others have been affected. Authorities have, meanwhile, warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Over 5 lakh flee floods in Assam
More than five lakh people have fled their homes in Assam to escape heavy floods triggered by pre-monsoon rains that killed eight people.
Torrential rains lashed most of the rugged state, and the downpour continued on Wednesday, with more forecast over the next two days.
Amit Shah promises help
Union home minister Amit Shah has discussed the overall flood situation in Assam with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over phone and assured all possible help from the Centre.
The Home Minister, in separate tweets in English and Assamese, said: "Concerned about the situation in the wake of heavy rainfall in parts of Assam. Spoke to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to take stock of the situation. NDRF teams are already been deployed. Assured all possible help from the central government."

Indian Army launches rescue operations in Cachar
Indian Army has launched rescue operations as the flood situation in Assam worsened, with more than 4.03 lakh people in 26 districts of the state having been affected in the current spell of the flood.
Security forces comprising the Army and Assam Rifles of Masimpur Garrison on Tuesday launched flood rescue operations in various parts of Cachar district which is one of the badly flood-hit districts of the state.
Upon receipt of an urgent request from the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar district, swift and coordinated action was carried out by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles teams to rescue precious lives caught in the flood. Guwahati-based Defence PRO said that priority was given to women, the elderly, and young children.
"The timely and swift action resulted in lives being saved and a major disaster is averted. A total of 500 villagers were rescued by both the parties of the Srikona Battalion of Assam Rifles and Army troops. Rescue efforts were ongoing till late evening and the DC and locals appreciated the service rendered by Assam Rifles and Army," the Defence PRO said.
Over 2,000 rescued in Hojai, 89 relief camps set up in Nagaon
More than 2,000 people trapped in the district of Hojai in a rescue effort that continues, the state's health minister, Keshab Mahanta, said. Water levels in the Brahmaputra were expected to rise further, national authorities said.
"The situation remains extremely grave in the worst-hit Dima Hasao district, with both rail and road links snapped due to flooding and landslides," said Assam's revenue minister, Jogen Mohan, who is overseeing relief efforts there.
One person has been reported as missing in the Kampur revenue circle in the Nagaon district. The district administration has set up 89 relief camps and 89 distribution centers where 39558 flood-affected people are taking shelter.

Minister confirms construction of 40 highlands for animal safety
Assuring the government's preparedness for animals affected due to floods, the Assam forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Wednesday said that the state government has successfully completed the construction work of around 40 highlands for dealing with the ongoing flood situations in Kaziranga and other National parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries of the state.

"Kaziranga faces small or big flood every year, and as per my information, we are fully prepared along with the food services for the on-duty officials deployed for rescue operations in Kaziranga," Suklabaidya said.
Stating that the forest officials are active on duty for 24 hours, he said that they are in regular contact with Kaziranga, and are ready with more than 25 boats for rescue.