Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that nearly Rs 150 crore has been disbursed as interim relief to flood-affected people in the state, while directing officials to expedite the remaining compensation claims and restoration work. In a post on Sunday on social media platform X, Sarma added that the remaining eligible relief claims would be cleared by Monday, underlining that the state government was working to ensure timely assistance reaches every affected household. He said the assessment of flood-related damage across the state was about 75 per cent complete, with more than 1,000 surveyors deployed on the ground to complete the remaining assessment immediately. The Chief Minister added that the administration was simultaneously focusing on restoring essential public infrastructure damaged by the floods. 

"As many as 793 schools are currently under repair and will be made ready for the resumption of classes, while damaged roads and other public infrastructure are being rebuilt on priority," he said. In Sivasagar, high-capacity pumps have been deployed and are operating round the clock to drain water from low-lying areas and accelerate the dewatering process. The state government has also stepped up health interventions in flood-affected areas, with health camps being expanded and authorities maintaining close surveillance for any possible outbreak of water-borne or other diseases following the floods. Chief Minister Sarma said the state government had also reviewed loan relief measures and insurance claims related to the flood damage and urged all eligible affected people to submit their claims by August 30. The Chief Minister added that the administration was mapping compensation and other benefits to ensure that assistance reaches every affected household. 

"My instructions to officials are clear: no one gets left behind, speed is non-negotiable, and there's zero tolerance for a lackadaisical approach," Sarma said. The latest measures come as Assam continues its recovery and rehabilitation efforts following widespread flooding that affected several districts, damaging homes, roads, schools and other public infrastructure. The Assam government has been focusing on immediate relief alongside restoration of essential services, damage assessment and financial assistance to affected families. Sarma said the state administration would maintain a close watch on the relief and restoration process and ensure that officials move swiftly to complete pending assessments and deliver assistance to those eligible.

/IANS