Water levels recede in Assam and Meghalaya, death toll rises to 71

There is a marginal improvement in the flood situation in lower Assam districts, and the water level has also receded in the worst hit areas of Goalpara and Kamrup Districts

According to sources, the death toll in the state has gone up to 33 and over eight lakh people have been affected badly by the floods.

In order to facilitate the travel of flood hit people and dispatch relief materials, the North East Frontier Railway has decided to run two special trains from today till September 30 between New Bongaigaon - Goalpara and Guwahati to Chayygaon.

The state administration has set up 88 temporary relief camps in Goalpara District and 54 in Kamrup District, where over one lakh 25 thousand people are presently taking shelter.

Road communication between Guwahati and Goalpara, however, remains cut off.

An ex gratia of three lakh 50 thousand rupees has been announced by the Assam Government to the next of the kin of those who have lost their lives.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has reportedly briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the prevailing situation in the state and requested him to enhance central assistance for compensation for damaged crop and houses.

Meanwhile, in Meghalaya, with the recovery of thirteen bodies from various parts of flood-hit Garo Hills region yesterday, the death toll has gone up to 38.

Clearance and restoration work is in progress.