Assam Boat Accident: PM Modi, Amit Shah Express Grief As Many Casualties Feared

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his anguish over the tragic boat accident and assured the Centre’s full support to the Assam government.

New Delhi: Expressing grief over the boat accident in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said all possible efforts are being made to rescue the passengers.

“Saddened by the boat accident in Assam. All possible efforts are being made to rescue the passengers. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being,” he tweeted.

READ: Assam: Several Feared Dead After Boat Collides With Ferry In Brahmaputra River

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his anguish over the tragic boat accident and assured the Centre’s full support to the Assam government.

“Anguished to learn about the tragic boat accident in Assam. Have spoken to CM Shri @himantabiswa, the state administration is doing everything possible to rescue the people. We are continuously monitoring the situation. Also assured full support from the central government,” Shah tweeted.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Prime Minister Modi rang him to enquire about the progress of rescue operations.

“The PM telephoned me to enquire about the progress of rescue operations at Nimati Ghat and the conditions of those with injuries. I apprised the PM with all the details. Also informed that all of us are minutely monitoring the ground situation,” he said, ANI reported.

The Assam Chief Minister earlier expressed concern over the accident and directed the district administrations of Majuli and Jorhat to undertake a rescue mission earnestly with the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State National Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Ashok Barman said that 41 people have been rescued so far, adding the bodies of people suspected to have died in the crash are yet to be recovered, PTI reported.

The number of casualties is not confirmed yet.

Earlier in the day, a boat with over 120 people on board sank in the Brahmaputra river after colliding with a ferry steamer near Nimati Ghat in Assam’s Jorhat district.

The collision occurred when the private boat 'Ma Kamala' was headed to Majuli from Nimati Ghat and the government-owned ferry 'Tripkai' was coming from Majuli.

The NDRF and SDRF personnel are carrying out the search and rescue operation.