Assam floods: 54 deaths reported, more than 18 lakh affected

Nine people died in seven districts of Assam on Friday, hiking the overall death toll to 54, according to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

The flood situation in Assam and Meghalaya of India affected around 28.94 lakh people, reports ANI, adding that 2,930 villages are currently inundated.

Earlier, a release from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) Thursday night said that more than 11 lakh people in 25 districts are affected. 61,000 people are now in 170 relief camps opened in the affected districts of the state. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark.

In Meghalaya, chief minister Conrad Sangma announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakhs to the next of kin of each of the deceased. The government has formed regional committees to look into the situation and also ordered the closure of all schools till June 20 in the “interest of the safety of schoolchildren”.

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Meanwhile, Assam’s Guwahati continues to reel under urban floods – several low-lying areas continue to be inundated, with many localities facing power cuts. All education institutions in the city will remain closed on June 17.

Landslides of varying intensities were reported in North Guwahati in Kamrup (M) district, as well as in Dima Hasao, Goalpara, and Hojai districts.