Assam CM says rehab top priority as flood situation improves, toll rises to 82

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam stated on Saturday that rehabilitating affected residents is the government's top priority as the flood situation improves. The death toll from the flooding has risen to 82, while over two lakh people remain affected, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. In a Facebook Live session, Sarma announced a time-bound recovery roadmap, emphasizing that while floodwaters are receding, a significant number of people are still in relief camps.

The government aims to restore livelihoods, repair schools, and rebuild damaged infrastructure. Immediate relief funds will be allocated for repairing schools, Anganwadi centers, and Naam Ghars, with additional compensation for damaged educational institutions. Schools in Sivasagar and Charaideo will reopen by August 10, with funds released to replace uniforms and books damaged by the floods.

Sarma also announced waiving electricity bills for July and property tax for the entire year in affected districts. He met with representatives of 46 insurance companies to discuss claims involving vehicles, livestock, and other insured assets damaged in the floods. The government will ensure insurance claim settlements are expedited, and in cases of death, the companies will accept official government lists of victims instead of death certificates.

By August 5, the government plans to transfer ₹15,000 to affected families' bank accounts, with an additional ₹10,000 on August 10. More than 10,000 people have donated to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and the state government is relying on these contributions for the initial phase of rehabilitation work.