Assam CM asks ministers to supervise relief operation in flood-hit areas

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has directed his ministerial colleagues to visit the flood-hit districts to supervise the relief and rescue operations in the state.

Guwahati, July 28 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has directed his ministerial colleagues to visit the flood-hit districts to supervise the relief and rescue operations in the state.

The State Cabinet reviewed the flood situation and discussed the remedial measures to be taken up immediately.

Floods caused by incessant rains over the past week have displaced many people, destroyed crops and damaged bridges.

Large areas of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon District have been flooded, posing threat to the animals.

Excessive flooding in the sanctuary has forced elephants to leave their habitat and seek refuge on higher ground.

"Most of the areas are flooded. There are about three to four feet of water in most areas," said Surajeet Dutta, District Forest Official.

Guarding the sanctuary during the rains is turning out to be a difficult task, with all the forest roads and paths submerged under floodwater.

"It is only on boats that we can do our duty. We also have to do our work at night. We do not get our essentials on time, "said Motibur Rahman, a forest guard on patrol.

Over 10 lakh people in 18 districts were hit by the current spell of flood in the state.

Around 50 thousand families have taken shelter in relief camps in the worst flood affected Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitput and Morigaon districts.

ANI