Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, August 3, said the devastation caused by the recent floods in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts was far greater than what had been reflected in television coverage, indicating that the state may have to rebuild entire villages in some of the worst-affected areas.
After travelling through the flood-ravaged Nepali Khuti area by tractor to assess the damage, Sarma said immediate financial assistance alone would not be enough to restore normalcy in the affected regions.
“The damage in Sivasagar and Charaideo is far more severe than what is being shown on television. Flood relief alone will not be enough,” the chief minister said.
He said localities such as Bihubor, Nepali Khuti, Betbari and Nimaijan had suffered extensive destruction and could require comprehensive reconstruction as part of the rehabilitation process.
“In places such as Bihubor, Nepali Khuti, Betbari and Nimaijan, we may have to rebuild entire villages,” Sarma said.
During the visit, the chief minister interacted with flood-affected residents and reviewed the widespread damage to homes, livestock and public infrastructure. He said the government was considering a long-term rehabilitation strategy for areas where the destruction had made it difficult for families to resume normal life.
Sarma said the proposed rehabilitation plan would include a detailed assessment of damaged houses, public infrastructure and livelihood losses before appropriate measures are implemented.
The recent floods caused widespread devastation across Upper Assam, with Sivasagar and Charaideo among the worst-affected districts. Thousands of families were displaced after floodwaters submerged villages, damaged homes and affected agricultural land and livestock.
The chief minister said the government would continue conducting ground-level assessments and take all necessary steps to ensure the long-term rehabilitation of flood-affected families.
