Guwahati, Jul 16 (UNI) Nearly 40 lakh population has been affected by floods in Assam
as the situation continued to be grim and the death toll also remained on an upward trend.
The overall death toll in floods this year has reached 71 with five new deaths reported
in the last 24 hours, an Assam State Disaster Management Authority bulletin informed
here this evening.
The number of total population increased by nearly five lakhs since yesterday as the
figure stood at 39,79,563 this evening, with Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Nalbari,
Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, South Salamar and Morigaon among the worst-hit
districts.
Altogether 27 districts of the state are reeling under waters, affecting 93 revenue
circles and 3218 villages and localities.
Close to 50,000 displaced people are taking shelter in 303 relief camps, while another
445 relief distribution centres are also operating in the affected areas.
The Kaziranga National Park continued to remain affected, with 79 animals killed in
floods, including being hit by passing vehicles, so far, while 121 more have been
rescued.
Out of 223 forest camps in the Park, 99 are currently affected and six have been
vacated.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora today took
stock of the flood situation in the Park, inspecting the affected areas by a speed
motor boat and interacting with the frontline forest personnel.
Parts of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park have
also been inundated by flood waters.
UNI SG BM