Assam flood toll rises to 31; waters receding

The toll in the floods and landslides in Assam Wednesday rose to 31, with the recovery of more bodies in the severely-hit Goalpara and Kamrup districts, even as the water was receding from the flood-affected areas, officials said.

Rescue operations by the army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and its state unit were on in many areas, including main city Guwahati.

Incessant rain in Assam and Meghalaya since the last few days has resulted in floods in many districts of Assam, and severely affected Goalpara, Dhubri, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural) districts.

The Goalpara district administration has recovered 14 bodies so far, while 12 bodies have been recovered in Kamrup (Rural) district.

Four people have died due to landslides and electrocution in Guwahati in the last two days.

Officials said the toll was likely to increase as many people were still missing in many flood-affected areas.

Around one lakh people are taking shelter in relief camps in Goalpara district.

Agriculture Minister Nilamoni Sen Deka and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain Wednesday visited Goalpara and reviewed the situation.

"The flood water is receding, but it would take some time for the administration to arrange for return of the affected people, who are taking shelter in relief camps," Deka said.

The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs.3.5 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

Kamrup (Rural) Deputy Commissioner J. Balaji said the situation has improved, with no rain for the last one day.

"The situation in Guwahati has also improved as there has been no rain and flood waters have receded," said Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner M. Angamuthu.