Assam Floods: Death Toll Rises to 75 as Relief Efforts Gain Momentum
The devastating floods in Assam have claimed 75 lives, with the latest reports confirming seven additional fatalities due to drowning in the Sivasagar district. The disaster has wreaked havoc across seven districts, impacting over 330,000 residents and submerging more than 45,000 hectares of cropland. In response to the crisis, Air India Express has stepped up to support relief operations by waiving cargo charges for registered NGOs and recognized aid organizations transporting essential supplies, such as food, medicine, and hygiene kits, from cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata to Guwahati.
To aid in the recovery, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a comprehensive relief package for the affected families. The state has increased the total ex-gratia payment for the families of the deceased to Rs 900,000 and simplified the disbursement process by waiving post-mortem requirements. Furthermore, the government is providing direct cash assistance of Rs 15,000 to over 100,000 displaced families and has introduced a special student support initiative. This includes book grants, free textbooks, and the replacement of lost academic certificates for students in the hardest-hit regions, as the state works to restore normalcy amidst the ongoing deluge.