Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state government has stepped up relief, rescue and rehabilitation measures in flood-ravaged districts, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) continuing aerial operations to deliver essential supplies to marooned communities in inaccessible areas.
Addressing the public during a live social media interaction on July 26, Sarma said the IAF has been playing a crucial role in transporting relief materials to locations cut off by floodwaters. After conducting relief distribution in Nazira of Sivasagar district on Saturday, IAF helicopters resumed operations in other isolated parts of the district on Sunday. He noted that several flood-hit villages remain beyond the reach of road and boat transport, making air support indispensable for delivering aid.
The Chief Minister said rescue operations are continuing across the state, with multiple agencies engaged in evacuating stranded residents using boats wherever necessary. He emphasised that the administration is making every effort to assist affected communities despite severe logistical challenges posed by the floods.
Sarma also announced that a Central government assessment team began its visit to Assam on Sunday to evaluate the scale of damage caused by the floods. The team will inspect affected districts, assess losses to infrastructure and livelihoods, and submit a detailed report to the Union government to facilitate further assistance.
Responding to criticism over delays in relief distribution, the Chief Minister asserted that no flood-affected area had been ignored. He acknowledged, however, that officials had been unable to reach some locations due to prevailing flood conditions. While recognising the frustration of affected residents, he assured that relief would be extended to every family as soon as access becomes possible.
Highlighting the impact on the education sector, Sarma said schools in Charaideo and Sivasagar districts have suffered extensive damage, with classrooms and school premises covered in mud and silt after floodwaters receded. He said the government is considering immediate financial assistance for affected schools and is preparing a mechanism to transfer funds directly to educational institutions for urgent cleaning and restoration work.
Seeking broader public participation in the relief effort, the Chief Minister appealed to BJP workers across Assam to contribute towards assisting flood-affected families. He said the party, which has around 50 lakh members in the state, aims to raise approximately ₹12 crore through voluntary donations. The funds will be used to distribute essential clothing, including sador-mekhela for women and pants and T-shirts for children in the affected districts.
Looking ahead to the rehabilitation phase, Sarma announced that ministers from every department will visit the worst-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat after the conclusion of the ongoing Assam Assembly Budget Session. Each minister will oversee rehabilitation and restoration work in assigned districts to accelerate the rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by the floods.
