GUWAHATI : The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Thursday even as water receded from most parts of the state, with the death toll rising to 78 and over three lakh people continuing to reel under the deluge, officials said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), however, forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places across the state and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland over the next three days, raising concerns for districts bordering the two states.
“There was no rain in most of the flood-hit Upper Assam districts. So, water level continued to recede from the inundated villages, giving some respite to villagers,” an official of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.
The authority’s daily flood bulletin issued on Wednesday night said three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours — two from Sivasagar district and one from Golaghat. With these, the toll in this year’s flood has reached 78.
Altogether 3,00,031 people remained affected, with Charaideo being the worst-hit with 1,37,561 people impacted, followed by Sivasagar (84,600) and Jorhat (49,911).
More than 16,500 displaced people were taking shelter in 71 relief camps. Another 30 relief distribution centres were catering to over 72,000 people.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday dialled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take stock of the flood situation, while the latter said that although floodwaters have receded, many are unable to return as their houses have either been damaged or filled with mud and silt.
Shah, who called Sarma for the second time in seven days, assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre for relief and restoration efforts.
Multiple agencies, including medical and veterinary teams, remained pressed in rescue operations in the affected areas.
A crop area of 21,523.08 hectares remained submerged. More than 11,000 animals have been washed away, while another 17,000 have been affected.
Damage to various infrastructure, including embankments, houses, roads, schools and other public property, was also reported from various parts, the ASDMA bulletin added.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms from July 30 to August 1 at isolated places across Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which may affect the Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur.
The ASDMA urged people of the districts concerned to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant, and said the status of the situation would be updated on its official website and on all its social media handles from time to time for general awareness. (Source: PTI)
*BORDER HAAT REOPENS AT PANGSAU PASS, BOOSTING CROSS-BORDER TRADE*
*Changlang, July 30:* In a significant milestone for the economic development of Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern frontier, the *Border Haat at Pangsau Pass* on the Indo-Myanmar Border was formally reopened on Thursday by *Shri Nyato Dukam*,Hon’ble Minister for Trade & Commerce, Industries, Information & Public Relations, Labour, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The reopening marks the revival of an important cross-border trade platform aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, promoting traditional commerce, and improving livelihood opportunities for border communities.
The inaugural programme was attended by *Dr. Mohesh Chai*, Hon’ble MLA-cum-Advisor to the Hon’ble Minister for Health, Trade & Commerce & Industry and Chairman, Public Accounts Committee (PAC); *Shri Laisam Simai*,Hon’ble MLA, 51-Nampong (ST) Assembly Constituency; *Ms. Bullo Mamu, IRS*,Secretary, Trade & Commerce; *Shri L. Thungon, APCS*,Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jairampur; along with officers of the Trade & Commerce Department, district administration, public representatives, traders and local stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized that the revival of the Border Haat would provide a sustainable platform for local entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and traders to market indigenous products, create employment opportunities, strengthen traditional economic and cultural ties between India and Myanmar, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the border region.
Following the inauguration, the Minister and other dignitaries visited the Border Haat premises, interacted with traders and local participants, and reviewed the arrangements. They expressed confidence that the resumed Border Haat would emerge as a catalyst for regional trade, people-to-people connectivity and inclusive growth in the frontier areas.
The reopening of the Border Haat reflects the Government of Arunachal Pradesh’s continued commitment to enhancing border infrastructure, promoting local commerce and fostering stronger economic linkages with neighbouring countries under the vision of inclusive and sustainable development. See less
