Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that post-mortem examinations would be waived for people who lose their lives in flood-related incidents, prioritizing compassion over procedural formalities during natural disasters. The state government will also expedite ex-gratia assistance to the next of kin of flood victims, releasing it without avoidable delays. The decision aims to reduce the hardship faced by bereaved families, who often have to wait for mandatory post-mortem procedures before funeral rites can be performed and compensation claims processed.
Several districts in Upper Assam continue to grapple with severe flooding caused by incessant rainfall and rising river levels, displacing thousands of people and submerging large areas of agricultural land, roads, and public infrastructure. As of the latest reports, 4,45,495 people across six districts remain affected by the floods. The flood-related death toll in Assam this year stands at 68.
Relief camps have been opened across the worst-hit districts to provide shelter, food, drinking water, and medical assistance to displaced families. Teams continue to distribute essential commodities to marooned villages, and the state government has directed district administrations to expedite damage assessment and ensure timely assistance to affected households. The administration remains on high alert, closely monitoring water levels in several rivers and intensifying rescue and relief operations wherever required.
The Chief Minister has reiterated that the state government will continue to extend all possible support to flood-affected families, ensuring that relief and compensation reach beneficiaries without unnecessary procedural hurdles. As the floodwaters recede, the government’s focus is shifting from immediate relief to restoration. Food, tarpaulins, cleaning supplies, and other essential items are being distributed to help families return home and rebuild their lives.
The government is also strengthening flood and erosion protection measures, with around 60% of restoration work using geotube technology completed on the Kakodonga, Bhogdoi, Jhanji, and Charaipani embankments in Jorhat district. Disinfection and fogging drives have begun across affected villages to prevent disease outbreaks. The Indian Air Force is assisting relief operations by delivering essential supplies, and various government departments continue to work to support affected families in Charaideo and Sivasagar.
