In a determined response to the worsening flood situation in Barak Valley, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi on Thursday, directing district officials to ensure immediate relief supplies and emergency measures for affected communities. Reviewing the on-ground conditions firsthand, Sarma instructed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Cachar and Hailakandi districts to prioritize the swift distribution of essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medicine. Special emphasis was laid on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups including the elderly, children, and lactating mothers who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing disaster.
During his visit, CM Sarma acknowledged that while the Barak River continues to flow above the embankment level in Hailakandi, a breach has already been reported in the embankment of the Longi River. Addressing this concern, he announced that the state government would initiate a robust embankment strengthening project to mitigate the threat of future flooding. He also confirmed that urgent repair work on breaches reported in the Longai and Shingla rivers would commence shortly. Sarma’s day-long assessment began in the Hailakandi district, where he visited several severely affected localities and interacted with displaced residents at relief camps established in Kalinagar and Panch Gram. He assured camp inmates that the state government stood firmly behind them and that every necessary step would be taken to ease their suffering and restore normalcy.
Later, in Sribhumi, the Chief Minister visited relief camps at Rabindra Sadan Girls College, Government Higher Secondary School, and Bhanga Higher Secondary School. He spent time with the displaced families, assessing their needs and offering reassurance of continued support. Addressing the media from the Sribhumi DC’s office, Sarma reiterated the government’s commitment to rebuilding and rehabilitating the flood-hit regions. “Although the Barak River is posing a serious threat, we are constantly monitoring the situation and coordinating with all departments to ensure timely intervention. Our focus now is both on relief and long-term resilience,” he said. He also provided an update on the East-West Corridor, part of the National Highways Development Project connecting Silchar. According to the Chief Minister, only a five-kilometre stretch remains pending, which requires an elevated corridor due to the region’s flood-prone nature. He assured that the government is closely overseeing this final phase to expedite completion.