Guwahati: In a major relief measure for flood-affected residents, the Assam government on Monday transferred ₹15,000 each as immediate interim financial assistance to thousands of families affected by the recent floods in four of the state’s worst-hit districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the financial support is aimed at helping families return to normal life by meeting urgent expenses such as purchasing essential items, cleaning flood-damaged homes and restarting daily activities.
The first phase of assistance has been extended to flood-affected families in Sibsagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat through direct bank transfers.
Over 62,000 Families Receive Direct Financial Assistance
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a total of 62,696 families received the interim relief on Monday. Among them, 35,289 families are from Sibsagar, 19,883 from Charaideo, 2,593 from Golaghat, and 4,922 from Jorhat.
He said the government decided to provide direct cash assistance because, although relief materials have been supplied by various agencies, affected families also require immediate financial support to purchase household essentials, arrange transportation, and remove sludge and debris left behind by floodwaters.
More Families to Be Covered
The Chief Minister stated that the number of eligible beneficiaries is likely to increase as district administrations continue to assess the damage.
According to preliminary estimates, the total number of affected families could rise to nearly 75,000. Sarma assured that the government is fully prepared to extend the same ₹15,000 assistance to an additional 15,000 families once their bank account details are verified and approved.
He added that the assessment process will continue until August 5, after which the remaining eligible families will receive the financial assistance within the next two days.
Additional ₹10,000 for Severely Affected Families
Recognising that many families are still unable to return to their homes, particularly in the worst-hit districts of Sibsagar and Charaideo, the Chief Minister announced another relief package.
Families that remain displaced due to flooding and are unable to return home by August 9 will receive an additional ₹10,000 each to help them cope with prolonged displacement and ongoing hardships.
Assessment for Permanent Damage Compensation
The Assam government also announced that a comprehensive survey to assess permanent damage to houses and property will begin next week.
The assessment is expected to be completed within ten days, after which financial compensation for rebuilding damaged homes will be released to eligible beneficiaries.
Relief Measures Extended Beyond Cash Assistance
Apart from interim financial relief, the state government has announced a series of welfare measures aimed at reducing the burden on flood-affected families.
Families of those who lost their lives in the floods will receive ₹9 lakh as ex gratia assistance.
The government has also announced:
- A six-month moratorium on existing loans for affected families.
- Extension of loan repayment periods by one to two years.
- An additional ₹2,500 for beneficiaries covered under the state’s Orunodoi poverty alleviation scheme in flood-affected districts.
- Waiver of land revenue (land tax) for one year.
- Waiver of electricity bills for July for flood-affected households.
The Chief Minister said these measures are intended to provide both immediate relief and long-term support to families rebuilding their lives after the disaster.
Flood Situation Remains Serious
Despite gradual improvement in some areas, the flood situation in Assam continues to remain serious.
According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the floods had claimed 85 lives till Sunday. More than 1.36 lakh people across five districts continue to be affected, while 10,844 people are staying in relief camps set up by the government.
Authorities are continuing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations while closely monitoring river levels and weather conditions to prevent further loss of life and property.
