CM Sarma camps in Upper Assam, launches rehabilitation drive

Guwahati, Aug 3 (AHN) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state has moved from the emergency response stage to the rehabilitation phase in the flood‑ravaged districts of Upper Assam, announcing that over 75,000 affected families have received the first tranche of financial assistance while assuring that every flood‑hit household would be supported in rebuilding their lives.

In a series of posts on X after reviewing the flood situation in Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat and Charaideo districts, Sarma said the devastating floods were triggered by nearly 400 per cent excess rainfall in the upstream areas, causing unprecedented inundation in regions that do not usually experience floods.

“The floods in Upper Assam have left behind a trail of devastation. The 400 per cent excess rainfall upstream led to the sudden deluge in districts which usually don’t flood,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he had been continuously monitoring the situation while three ministers remained on the ground since the disaster struck.

Sarma said he had personally visited the affected areas, reviewed relief operations and interacted with flood‑hit families to understand their problems firsthand.

“I have also been on the ground, reviewed our relief efforts and am making sure people’s sufferings are alleviated through a network of over 1,000 relief camps. Today, I personally met affected families, shared their grief and assured them all assistance from the Government of Assam,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government had worked with all stakeholders over the past week to prepare a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package.

“As the first step, assistance has been released to over 75,000 families,” he said, referring to the direct transfer of interim financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

The state government has transferred around Rs 160 crore as interim relief, with each eligible family receiving Rs 15,000 through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Sarma said the flood response was now entering its next phase.

“Alongside relief, we will systematically rebuild damaged public infrastructure and support every family on the path to recovery,” he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government remained fully committed to the rehabilitation of the affected districts.

“Assam remains fully committed to the rehabilitation of the affected districts. We will make sure every family receives the support they deserve to rebuild their lives,” he said.

Sarma also announced that he would remain in the flood‑affected region for the next four days to directly supervise ongoing relief, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.

“I am camping in the areas for four days to monitor the ongoing efforts,” he said.

His visit included inspections of inundated villages, boat rides through submerged areas, interaction with displaced families in relief camps and meetings with district officials to review restoration of roads, embankments, power supply and other essential public infrastructure.