Guwahati/Jorhat: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday expressed grave concerns that the number of fatalities from the ongoing floods in Upper Assam is expected to rise sharply, citing widespread inundation and challenges in accessing affected regions. During his review of the flood situation in Charaideo, the Chief Minister underscored the unfolding scale of devastation, noting a high number of missing persons.
Addressing the media in Charaideo, a day after four members of a single family were tragically swept away in the district, Sarma painted a grim picture of the ground reality. He cautioned that the final casualty count would be substantial, stating that it would take at least a week to fully assess the extent of loss and damage. The Chief Minister highlighted the severe operational difficulties, including the inability of critical rescue forces like the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF to reach numerous flood-affected zones.
Sarma further elaborated on the dire situation, revealing that even basic necessities such as drinking water bottles could not be delivered to some isolated areas. He pointed out that thousands of residents remain stranded in floodwaters, with several patients also trapped without immediate medical assistance. The Chief Minister's remarks underscore the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding across the region, with significant portions of Upper Assam still cut off from aid and communication.