GUWAHATI: Flood and landslides have so far claimed 14 lives in Assam where six districts are reeling under flood affecting about 5.5 lakh people. While 11 persons have been killed in flood, three persons died due to landslides at Dima Hasao hill district.
Meanwhile, in view of severe flood situation in the worst-affected Hailakandi district, classes and examinations in all educational institutions will remain suspended until further orders.
Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan said as most of the educational institutions were under water and the roads submerged in different parts of the district.
Of the 331 villages of the district, 235 villages have been hit by the first wave of flood, the worst affected being Katlicherra revenue circle followed by Algapur, Lala and Hailakandi revenue circles.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Assam Rifles and Indian Air Force helicopter have been kept on standby in case of any emergency situation.
Affecting a population of over two lakhs rendering scores homeless, the deluge has claimed two lives so far in the district. More than 300 marooned persons have been evacuated by SDRF and NDRF personnel. Relief and rescue operations are on.
The state government has set up 437 relief camps so far spread over the six affected districts of Nagaon, Hojai, Golaghat, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj. About 1.60 lakh flood-hit have been lodged in those relief camps.
Meanwhile, landslides occurring in Mahur, Harangajao, Maibong areas under Haflong revenue circle in Dima Hasao districts have affected 30 villages besides claiming three lives.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday took stock of the flood situation of Karimganj district and directed the Deputy Commissioner to speed up relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister while reviewing the flood situation over phone also asked the Deputy Commissioner to immediately release the one time financial assistance to the family members of those killed due to flood.
Minister for Water Resources, Keshab Mahanta said the government would order inquiry into breaches in embankments that occurred in the first wave of floods in Assam. The minister who is on a visit to flood-hit Barak Valley districts paid visit to erosion affected areas and embankment breaches at Lala in Hailakandi district, Patharkandi in Karimganj and Gossaigaon in Cachar district.
Mahanta said that the government would order inquiry into breaches in embankments across the State that aggravated the flood situation and would not spare the officials and the contractors if found guilty.