Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday undertook an aerial survey of flood-hit districts in Assam, PTI reported. He also met district administration officials in Lakhimpur, the region worst-affected by the deluge.
Lakhimpur officials informed Rijiju that the water level in the 14 overflowing rivers in the state had started receding. They also briefed him on the rescue operations under way in the district. Rijiju has ordered authorities to speed up rescue operations as it did not rain in the state the past two days.
Rijiju also visited the deluge-ravaged Pasnoi Baolidan village. Officials of the National Disaster Response Force, Niti Aayog and the National Disaster Management Authority accompanied the minister during the survey.
The toll in the Assam flood had risen to 44 on Wednesday after five people died in rain-related incidents. The Brahmaputra river and its tributaries are still flowing above the danger mark in several areas, according to PTI.
More than 17 lakh people in 23 districts have been affected by the floods, officials had said on Wednesday.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!