PM Modi assures support to Assam amid second wave of floods

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (July 01) to discuss the ongoing flood situation in the state.

The floods, attributed to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of eastern Assam, mark the second wave of severe flooding this year.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi called me …to enquire about the flood situation in Assam,” said CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

He said that Assam is grappling with a fresh wave of floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and eastern Assam districts.

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The Assam chief minister briefed the Prime Minister on the relief measures undertaken by the state government.

CM Sarma assured that all possible efforts are being made to provide immediate assistance and relief to those in need.

During the conversation, PM Modi expressed his concern for the people of Assam and assured CM Sarma of the central government's full cooperation and support during this crisis.

“He (PM Narendra Modi) assured me of full cooperation from the Government of India in this hour of crisis,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma added.

Also read: Assam floods: Situation worsening, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday (July 01), raised alarms over the rapidly deteriorating flood situation in the state.

Speaking to the media, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the critical rise in water levels across major rivers, including the Brahmaputra.

It may be mentioned here that the Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark at several key locations such as Neamatighat and Tezpur in Assam.

“From last night, the flood situation in Assam has deteriorated,” Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

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Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in various parts of Assam, including Nalbari, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Tinsukia, predicting that the situation will become even more critical over the next three to four days.

“IMD has alerted heavy rainfall in Nalbari, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Tinsukia, and other places, and in 3-4 days the situation will be critical. Till today flood is in 14 districts, 41 revenue circles, and 698 villages,” the Assam CM said.

Currently, the floods have affected 2.74 lakh people across Assam.

In North Lakhimpur alone, 21,000 people have been impacted due to the release of 409 cubic metres of excess water by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).