At least 20 people lost their lives on Tuesday and several got injured in a series of landslides in Barak Valley due to incessant rains. Seven people were killed in Cachar and Halaikandi districts, and six others in the Karimganj region.
Since the past few days, there have been heavy rainfalls resulting in flash floods and landslides. President Ramnath Kovind took to Twitter to extend his sympathy and wrote, "The loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Barak valley, Assam is tragic. Local authorities are undertaking rescue and relief efforts. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for everyone's safety and well-being."
Seven districts namely Nalbari, Goalpara, Nagaon, Hojai, West Karbi Anglong, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia in the state are dealing with floods and its after-effects. Around 25,000 hectares of crops have been damaged due to the heavy rains, and 44,331 domestic animals are affected. Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirmed 1.97 lakh people in 365 villages are victims of the floods.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted "Deeply anguished at the loss of lives due to landslides triggered by incessant rain in Barak valley. I have directed Cachar, Hailakandi & Karimganj district administrations and SDRF to step up rescue, relief operations and facilitate all possible help needed to those affected," and announced Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the family of deceased.
