Assam CM gives directions for speeding up rescue and relief ops

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday directed the administration to use helicopters and mechanised boats to step up rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit state.

Gogoi, who is in Japan, spoke to Revenue minister Prithibi Majhi, Water Resources Minister Rajib Lochan Pegu and Chief Secretary Naba Kumar Das over the phone and directed them to step up rescue and relief operations, officials said.

Besides, giving directions for use of helicopters and mechanised boats, the Chief Minister said that adequate food materials be supplied to the flood-affected.

Gogoi also directed all ministers in his cabinet to visit flood affected districts immediately and oversee relief and rescue operations at first hand.

The Chief Minister is on a six-day trip to Japan as a member of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers.

The flood situation in the state worsened today with nine lives lost and ten lakh people rendered homeless in 16 districts as the water level of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries continued to rise.