Sonowal briefs Rajnath on Assam flood situation

In the course of his telephonic discussion, Sonowal apprised the Home Minister about the latest flood situation in the state and the steps initiated by the state government for relief, rescue and rehabilitation of the flood affected people.

Singh assured Sonowal that the Centre will provide all help and assistance to the state and would bear the expenses involved in dealing with the flood situation in the state, a CMO spokesman said.

Singh also conveyed to Sonowal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been keeping a close tab on the flood situation in Assam and has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to extend all possible help and support to the flood affected people.

In view of the deteriorating situation following incessant rainfall during the last few days, Sonowal has directed all the Deputy Commissioners to gear up relief and rescue operations on a war footing and to make all efforts to reach out to the affected people.

"There should not be any grounds for complaint and succour must be provided to the affected people. Special care must be given to women and infants," he said during the video conference with DCs of affected districts here yesterday, the spokesman said.

The chief minister issued a directive stating no irregularities will be tolerated in the distribution of relief materials to the flood affected people and asked the DCs to ensure "quality food" to the affected people in view of alleged reports that "substandard food" was being distributed in some affected areas.

Sonowal also directed the DCs to provide clean drinking water, medicines, baby food and fodder to the affected livestock.

Asking the district heads to ensure proper sanitation in the relief camps to keep diseases at bay, he also told them to keep sufficient number of country boats to meet any exigency.