Amit Shah takes stock of Assam flood situation, assures to offer all help from the centre

Guwahati, June 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday took stock of the rising water level of various rivers in Assam and resultant floods, landslides taking place due to incessant rain and measures taken for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people among others.

Amit Shah telephoned Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and enquired about the incidents of landslide in Guwahati and other places of the state.

The Union Home Minister assured all help and cooperation from the central government in managing the problems of flood and erosion while asserting that the central government stood together with the state government in these difficult times.

Informing the Union Home Minister that the state government had taken all measures to manage the flood situation, the Assam Chief Minister said Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendent of Police (SPs) of all districts have been directed through a video conference to speed up all relief operations apart from instructing them to keep adequate stock of food, maintain food quality, observe COVID-19 protocols, keep medical facilities etc. in the relief camps.

Sonowal also informed that adequate strength of NDRF and SDRF has been kept ready in all districts so that they can be called into action during emergencies.

He also apprised the Union Home Minister that power department had been directed to take all precautionary measures to avoid untoward incidents like electrocution while also instructing the food and civil supplies department to prevent price rise and artificial scarcity of essential commodities during these times.

The Union Home Minister also offered his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in flood and landslide incidents.

Assam flood: Death toll rises to 20, over 9.26 lakh people of 23 districts affect

Guwahati, June 28: The flood situation in Assam turned worse on Sunday as the death toll rises to 20 and over 9.26 lakh people of 23 districts have been affected in the current flood.

On Sunday, two people drowned in floodwaters at Jonai area in Dhemaji and Udalguri districts taking the death toll to 20 this year so far.

According to the Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 9.26 lakh people of 2071 villages in 23 districts – Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Udalguri, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Morigaon, Hojai, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, West Karbi Anglong are affected in the second wave of flood.

The current wave of flood badly hit Barpeta district as more than 1.35 lakh people of the lower Assam district are affected.

Nearly 1 lakh people have been affected in Dhemaji district followed by 96,100 people in Nalbari, 96,000 people in Morigaon, 86,000 people in Goalpara, 73,400 people in Tinsukia, 58,000 people in Dibrugarh, 54,500 in South Salmara, 47,600 in Majuli, 47,000 in Darrang district.

The floodwaters have submerged 68,806 hectares of croplands and affected nearly 9 lakh domestic animals in the flood-hit districts.

On the other hand, 27,308 flood-affected people have taken shelter at 193 relief camps set up by the administration in flood-hit districts.

The NDRF, SDRF, civil defence teams and administration on Sunday had rescued 9303 people from flood-affected areas.

According to the ASDMA, the floodwaters have submerged 90 camps out of 183 camps in Kaziranga National Park and a large portion of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park.

Following torrential rains, in the past couple of days, the water levels of Brahmaputra river have crossed danger level marks at Neamatighat in Jorhat district, Tezpur in Sonitpur district, Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubri district while Burhidihing river flowing above the danger level at Chenimari in Dibrugarh district, Dhansiri river at Numaligarh in Golaghat district, Jia Bharali at NT Road crossing in Sonitpur district, Kopili river at Kampur in Nagaon district, Puthimari river at NH Road crossing in Kamrup district, Pagladiya river at NH Road crossing in Nalbari district, Manas river at NH Road crossing in Barpeta district, Beki river at Road Bridge in Barpeta district and Sankosh river at Golakganj in Dhubri district.

Assam government faces a shortage of hospital beds in Guwahati to combat with COVID-19

Guwahati, June 28: Assam government is facing a shortage of hospital beds to deal with the novel Coronavirus as the state witnesses rise in COVID-19 positive cases.

Following a sharp spike in COVID-19 positive cases in Guwahati, Assam Health department is now working to manage more hospital beds in the capital city of Assam to combat with the deadly virus.

The state Health Department has now decided to convert six quarantine centres constructed at Khanapara area in the city with a capacity of 900 people to COVID-19 care centres.

Guwahati has witnessed a sharp spike in COVID-19 positive cases with over 1000 cases detected in the city within 12 days.

Assam Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government-run hospitals in Guwahati now have a capacity of 890 beds.

“We have seen a sharp spike in COVID-19 positive cases in Guwahati recent times. We have found an average of 200 cases daily alone in Guwahati. If it will continue, then all hospitals in Guwahati will be filled within a short time. Then we will have to shift the patients to the nearby districts and will require more ambulances, staff for it. But it will also create some different atmosphere among the people of the nearby districts,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The Assam minister further said that, to combat with the situation, the state government has decided to impose 14-day total lockdown in Guwahati city and in all areas of Kamrup (Metro) district from June 28.

Assam has reported 246 new positive cases for COVID-19 in last 24 hours taking the state tally to 7165.

According to the National Health Mission, Assam, the state has 4232 beds in isolation wards, 424 beds in isolation wards with ICU facility, 265 beds in isolation wards with ventilator facility.

Assam flood: 4.63 lakh people of 21 districts affected, death toll rises to 18

Guwahati, June 27: The flood situation in Assam worsened on Saturday as nearly 4.63 lakh people of 21 districts affected and the current flood claimed two more lives.

Two people including a minor drowned in floodwaters in Goalpara district on Saturday taking the death toll to 18.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), two people drowned in floodwaters at Balijana and Matia area in Goalpara district.

Nearly 4.63 lakh people of 1289 villages under 61 revenue circles in 21 districts – Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Udalguri, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Morigaon, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been affected in the current flood.

Nearly 1 lakh people affected alone in Dhemaji district followed by 59,000 people in Tinsukia, 58,000 people in Nalbari, 42,000 people in Barpeta, 36,000 people in Dibrugarh, 32,000 people in Majuli, 21,000 people in Darrang, 14,000 in Lakhimpur districts.

The floodwaters have submerged 37,313 hectares of agricultural land and affected nearly 3.87 lakh domestic animals in the flood-hit districts.

The current deluge has forced thousands of people to leave their homes after floodwaters entered their homes.

The flood report of ASDMA said that, nearly 19,500 people have taken shelter at 132 relief camps set up by the administration.

On the other hand, following torrential rains in the past couple of days the water levels of Brahmaputra river have crossed danger level marks at Neamatighat in Jorhat district, Tezpur in Sonitpur district, Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubri district while Burhidihing river flowing above the danger level at Chenimari in Dibrugarh district, Dhansiri river at Numaligarh in Golaghat district, Jia Bharali at NT Road crossing in Sonitpur district, Puthimari river at NH Road crossing in Kamrup district, Manas river at NH Road crossing in Barpeta district, Beki river at Road Bridge in Barpeta district.

Several parts of many embankments, road were washed away and damaged bridges, culverts by floodwaters in the flood-hit districts.

One died, two others injured in Guwahati landslide

Guwahati, June 26: A 62-year-old woman reportedly died and two others injured in a massive landslide in Guwahati on Friday.

The incident took place at Kahilipara powerhouse area in the capital city of Assam triggered the unceasing rains.

According to the reports, a landslide destroyed a house at the area and three persons of a family were trapped under the debris.

Later, NDRF, SDRF and local police personnel had rescued the persons and admitted them to a nearby hospital.

62-year-old Usha Bora who also injured reportedly died at the hospital.

Himangshu Das, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Guwahati city police said that three persons were injured in the incident and they were rushed to the hospital.

“The incident took place at Kahilipara area on Friday morning,” the police officer said.

Early this month, at least 20 people including several minors died in several landslide incidents in Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts.

Assam government re-imposes 14-day total lockdown in Guwahati from June 28

Guwahati, June 26: Given a sharp spike in COVID-19 positive cases, Assam government on Friday has re-imposed two-week total lockdown in Guwahati city and in all areas under Kamrup (Metro) district from 7 pm of June 28.

Assam Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said in a press conference held in Guwahati that, the two-week total lockdown will be started from June 28.

“It will be strict lockdown. Except pharmacies, laboratories and hospitals nothing will be opened,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

He further said that the weekend lockdown will also be imposed in all municipal areas of rest of Assam and night curfew will be placed across the state.

In an order issued by Assam Chief Secretary Kumar, Sanjay Krishna on Friday stated – “In my capacity as the Chairman of the State Executive Committee of Assam State Disaster Management Authority, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22(2)(h) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and in supersession of all earlier orders do direct Commissioner of Police, City and District Magistrate, Kamrup Metropolitan District to enforce “Total Lockdown” in all the areas under Kamrup Metropolitan District. This order shall come into force with effect from 7 PM (1900 hrs) of 28th June, 2020 and shall remain in force up till 6 PM (1800 Hrs) of 12th July, 2020.”

The Assam government has issued many restrictions during the lockdown period.

“Movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited in the specified area. All Government Offices, Offices of Autonomous/Subordinate Offices and Private Offices shall remain closed. All business/commercial establishments, shops and trade activities shall remain closed. All Industrial establishments shall remain closed, all public transport services shall remain suspended, movement of all Private vehicles is banned, all hospitality services shall remain suspended, all educational, research, training, coaching institutions shall remain closed. All places of worship shall remain closed for public. No religious congregation will be permitted without any exception, all social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions, gathering shall be barred. Not more than 20 persons will be permitted in case of funerals. All non-essential and avoidable movement of people shall be banned, spitting in public places is banned and will be punishable with fine, as may be prescribed by the local authority under its laws, rules or regulations. Consumption and sale of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc. in public places are prohibited,” said in the government order.

On the other hand, the state government has exempted Defence, Central and State Police forces, Establishment of the District Magistrate, Commissioner of Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire & Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Electricity, Water, Sanitation, Municipal bodies (only staff required for essential services like sanitation, water supply etc.), hospitals and retail medical establishments from the purview of lockdown.

“Only 10 (ten) per cent of Bank branches in the District with skeletal attendance and ATMs shall operate. Highest Authority of the Banks shall determine the specific branches and give wide publicity of open bank branches, print and electronic media including newspaper distribution are allowed. However, it is advised that a minimum number of persons shall only come out in the open, telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services, IT and IT-enabled services to continue. However, personnel engaged in these services are allowed to work from home only. Only emergency repair crew would be allowed movement subject to prior permission/ pass from the appropriate authority, power generation, transmission and distribution units and services shall continue with persons with specifically assigned duties being allowed to come out. Transportation of essential goods, vehicles of Health, Fire, Law & Order and Emergency Services are allowed, All transport services and movement of people from other districts shall remain suspended except that connected to COVID functions. Inter-state movement shall also remain suspended except with prior permissions/ pass. People (Interstate and inter District movement) holding train/air tickets to and from Guwahati as well to Guwahati shall be allowed to move only on production of such tickets at checkpoints. Hotels which are accommodating quarantined persons, medical and emergency staff, aircrew shall operate with skeletal service. Establishments used /earmarked for quarantine facilities shall operate. All officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above shall attend office in Assam Secretariat regularly. Other officers and employees shall be asked to attend office on need-based instruction issued by the senior-most secretary of the Department. Directors shall decide on the number of skeletal officers and staff to attend for functioning of Directorates. Government officers and employees who are directed specifically by their Controlling Officers will only be allowed with documentary evidence of such permission/orders. Rest of Government functionaries shall work from home. Only those Government officers and employees connected with the aforementioned exempted categories would be allowed to come to office/ workplaces. Milk, baby food, medicines and water supply are allowed on specific areas and time, railway offices and persons directly linked with the operation of passenger and goods trains shall be allowed to operate on being so assigned. Continuous process industries would be allowed to function, subject to workforce staying in the premises and outwards/ inwards movement during the period of lockdown shall not be allowed. Only identified Petrol pumps, gas agencies would be allowed to be operational during Lockdown. LPG agencies shall distribute products at home Customers’ homes only. Petroleum products to other districts would be allowed to move through Highways. Agricultural and Tea garden activities shall continue with social distancing. Lockdown permissions/ passes issued earlier stand cancelled. Fresh permissions /passes shall have to be obtained from a competent authority. No person(s) shall be allowed to venture out simply on the ground of being employed in the exempted category of services. The permissions granted to persons/ services/ activities as given above may be withdrawn at any time without assigning any reason and/or advance notice. The extent of validity of this order may be modified depending on an analysis of ground reality as and when required,” said in the government order.

The Assam government has also imposed night curfew across the state and directed the District Magistrates of all other districts of the state to enforce total prohibition of movement of persons between 7 pm to 7 am (Night Curfew) in all areas of their respective jurisdiction under relevant provisions of Cr PC including rural areas from 7 pm of June 27.

“District Magistrates of all districts shall also promulgate necessary orders for ‘Total Lockdown’ of all Municipal and Town Committee areas under their jurisdiction on all Saturdays and Sundays in Guwahati w.e.f. 27th June, 2020 until further orders,” said in the government order.

Assam has reported 6646 positive cases for COVID-19 so far and the state has registered 276 cases in last 24 hours.

Over 2.20 lakh people affected in Assam flood, death toll rises to 15

Guwahati, June 26: The flood situation in Assam turns grim as more than 2.20 lakh people 13 districts of the state have been affected in the second wave of flood.

Following incessant rain in Assam and neighbouring states, the water level of Brahmaputra river and its tributaries are rising and floodwaters submerging new areas.

One person drowned at Sissiborgaon in Dhemaji on Thursday and the total death toll due to flood in the state has now gone up to 15.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), over 2.20 lakh people 554 villages in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nalbari, Kokrajhar, Nagaon and Barpeta districts have been affected in the current flood.

Over 91,000 people are affected alone in Dhemaji district followed by 27,000 people in Majuli, 24,000 people in Tinsukia district.

The floodwaters have submerged more than 18,000 hectares cropland and affected over 19,100 domestic animals.

On the other hand, the current food situation forced many people to leave their homes and around 12,200 people have taken shelter at 53 relief camps.

NDRF, SDRF teams are engaged to rescue the flood-affected people and the teams have so far rescued over 5000 people.

On the other hand, the water level of Brahmaputra river is flowing above danger level mark at Neamatighat in Jorhat district, Tezpur in Sonitpur district and Dhubri district while Burhidihing river flowing above the danger level at Chenimari in Dibrugarh district, Dhansiri river at Numaligarh in Golaghat district, Jia Bharali at NT Road crossing in Sonitpur district, Beki river at Road Bridge in Barpeta district.

In Guwahati, the water level of Brahmaputra river is rising and just few centimetres have left to touch danger level mark.

Assam: Girls outshine boys in AHSEC Class 12 results

Guwahati, June 25: Results of Class 12 in Arts, Science and Commerce stream conducted by the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) were declared on Thursday with girls outshining boys in the overall pass percentage.

As per results, 78.28 per cent students passed out from the Arts stream, while 88.18 per cent students cleared the Commerce stream examination and the pass percentage in Science stream is 88.06.

More than 2.30 lakh students were appeared for this year Class 12 examination, out of which a total of 1,75,175 students appeared in the Arts stream, while 40,588 students appeared in the Science stream, 18,178 students appeared in the Commerce stream and 868 students appeared for vocational subjects.

In all three streams, girls outshined boys in overall pass percentage.

In Arts stream, 19,850 students passed with first division marks while 44,191 passed with second division and 67,7553 in third division.

In Commerce stream, 3870 students passed with first division, 5415 in second division, 6334 in the third division and Science stream, 16,928 students passed in first division, 14,747 in second and 3172 in the third division.

Pubali Deka of Patharighat HS School in Darrnag district and Shraddha Borgohain of Ramanujan Junior College in Nagaon district jointly topped in Arts stream examination with 481 marks.

On the other hand, Krishna Maheswari of Salt Brook Academy in Dibrugarh district topped in Commerce stream with 471 marks and Abinash Kalita of Anundoram Barooah Academy in Barpeta district topped in Science stream examination with 486 marks.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal greeted the students who passed in the examination.

He tweeted – “Best wishes to all my young friends who have successfully passed the Assam HS Examinations 2020 for your journey ahead. I thank the parents & teachers for their guidance and urge those who couldn’t make it this time to surge forward with renewed determination & hard work.”

Best wishes to all my young friends who have successfully passed the Assam HS Examinations 2020 for your journey ahead.

I thank the parents & teachers for their guidance and urge those who couldn’t make it this time to surge forward with renewed determination & hardwork. pic.twitter.com/lnhXVfXe0Z

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 25, 2020

Assam Education Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma also congratulated the students who did well in the examination and wished them for a bright future ahead.

He tweeted – “Heartiest congratulations to all those who have passed in Assam 12th Board examination 2020. As you all enter a new phase in life, I wish you all a bright future ahead. For those who have not passed, don’t get disheartened & try again with all new spirit. God bless you all!”

Heartiest congratulations to all those who have passed in Assam 12th Board examination 2020.

As you all enter a new phase in life, I wish you all a bright future ahead.

For those who have not passed, don't get disheartened & try again with all new spirit.

God bless you all!

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 25, 2020