Assam flood situation critical, 29 dead

Guwahati: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday assured adequate assistance to Assam, where at least 26 people have been killed in floods and thousands displaced, and said the central government will take an expeditious decision on the state government's demands. Singh, who reached Assam earlier in the day, conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas with state Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He also visited Bhagatgaon camp set up for the flood-affected residents in Morigaon district. Addressing the media later, Singh said at least 28 districts of the state have been affected by floods. "I have been told that around 26 people have died over the past one week due to floods in Assam and state government has announced Rs four lakh compensation to the families of victims," Singh said. "The (central) government will provide all assistance to the Assam government. I congratulate Assam Chief Minister and his state officers for arrangements in the flood-affected areas," he added. The Home Minister said he had asked the state government to "adequately utilise the money in the National Disaster Relief Fund." He also lauded the work of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army in providing relief to the flood-affected people.