Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Floods in Assam have claimed 66 lives as thousands remain trapped in rising waters. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita reported on Sunday, July 26, that 2,101 villages across 77 revenue circles are underwater. Upper Assam remains the hardest hit. Jorhat district faces the brunt of the disaster, with 258 villages flooded and nearly 1.45 lakh people impacted.
The state has launched a massive rescue operation. Crews saved 29,910 people so far. Authorities set up 170 relief camps and 1,326 distribution centers to manage the influx of displaced residents. Health teams are treating the sick while veterinary workers monitor livestock health. Official data confirms 401 houses are destroyed.
Jorhat MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami returned to the state Monday under heavy fire for traveling abroad during the crisis. He defended his absence at the Assam Legislative Assembly. Goswami claimed he stayed in touch with the Deputy Commissioner and party volunteers to manage relief from afar. The BJP legislator blamed poor timing for the public outcry.
"When I left, the situation in Jorhat was normal. I did not think the problem would become this serious. I believed the water would recede soon," Goswami said. He explained that cancelling his trip for his daughter’s PhD admission would have caused financial strain. Goswami grew emotional while addressing the media, wiping away tears. He maintained that he avoids publicity and that his constituents have not complained. The MLA arrived in Jorhat Monday evening to review the damage and oversee the ongoing relief work.
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