Dibrugarh, July 25: Even as floodwaters have begun receding in Assam’s worst-hit Sivasagar district, thousands of displaced families continue to grapple with the aftermath of one of the most devastating floods the region has witnessed in recent memory.
“We have never seen such devastation in Sivasagar. This flood has taken away everything. We never imagined we would have to face such a situation. Our family has shifted to a relief camp. The government is providing relief materials, but it is not enough for us,” said flood victim Namul Gogoi.
Rescue and relief operations are continuing across the district with teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Air Force and local volunteer organisations working round the clock. Several stranded residents have been rescued so far.
Against this backdrop, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday visited relief camps in Sivasagar and assured flood-hit families of complete support from the Central Government.
Reviewing relief measures at the Lakhimi Nagar ME School relief camp, Sonowal interacted with displaced families and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted access to food, healthcare, safe drinking water and other essential services. He later inspected another relief camp at Bir Lachit Borphukan College in Bihubor, where he reviewed arrangements for relief materials and basic amenities.
Addressing the flood victims, Sonowal said the Centre and the Assam government were working in close coordination to provide timely assistance.
“The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands firmly with the people of Assam during this challenging time. Both the Central and State governments are working together to ensure every possible assistance reaches those affected at the earliest. We remain committed to safeguarding every life and ensuring relief, healthcare, food and safe drinking water reach every family in need,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the resilience of the people of Assam, Sonowal said the state would overcome the crisis through collective efforts.
“Natural disasters test our resilience, but they also bring out our spirit of unity and compassion. Together—with coordinated efforts of governments, voluntary organisations and citizens—we shall overcome this difficult phase and help every affected family rebuild with dignity,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Sonowal flagged off the Assam Olympic Association’s flood relief mission from Jalan Outdoor Stadium in Dibrugarh. The convoy is carrying food, clothing and other essential supplies for flood-affected families in Charaideo, Sivasagar and Jorhat districts, where several areas remain inundated.
Commending the initiative, the Union Minister said community-led humanitarian efforts were playing a vital role alongside the relief operations being undertaken by the Central and State governments.
“The response to this crisis has demonstrated the strength of collective responsibility. Every contribution—whether from government agencies, civil society organisations or volunteers—helps bring hope to families facing immense hardship. I thank everyone who has stepped forward to ease the suffering of the affected,” Sonowal said.
He was accompanied during the visit by Assam Cabinet Ministers Bimal Borah, Sushanta Borgohain and Keshab Mahanta, Assam BJP president and MP Dilip Saikia, MLAs Diplu Ranjan Sharma and Taranga Gogoi, along with other public representatives and local officials.
