Assam: 20 killed due to storms, lightning strikes
Highlights
- 22 districts have reported storm and lightning incidents in 80 Revenue Circles
- 95,239 people have been affected due to adverse weather conditions in Assam
- A further detailed assessment is underway on in many storm-affected Revenue Circles
The death toll due to several incidents of severe storms and lightning strikes in Assam has gone up to 20. As per the data shared by Chief Executive Officer of Assam State Disaster Management Authority GD Tripathi, in the last three days (i.e. from April 14, 2022) 22 districts have reported storm and lightning incidents in 80 Revenue Circles spanning over 1,410 villages impacting 95,239 people.
"Total of 20 deaths have been reported during this season due to storms and lightning, of which 19 deaths were reported in April (till April 17) and one in the last week of March."
Notably, an ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of deceased persons has been initiated and it will be completed soon.
Reportedly, 3,011 houses have been fully damaged, while 19,256 houses have suffered partial damage till April 16.
A further detailed assessment is underway on in many storm-affected Revenue Circles.
So far, a total of 1,333 hectares of crop area damage has also been reported from the districts.
Circle level task forces constituted by the government for damage assessment have started a detailed damage assessment process and verification for speedy disbursement of financial assistance.
Further, under the Scheme for Training of Community Volunteers in Disaster Response (Aapda Mitra) community volunteers have been deputed for the distribution of tarpaulin and gratuitous relief items in order to help local circle level administration.
Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire and ES were also deputed for clearance of Road communication and storm debris in the affected localities with close support from the forest department.
Power has been delegated to all Deputy Commissioners by the Government for speedy sanction and disbursement of Rehabilitation grants etc. to the affected populations and beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), without referring to the government for approval.
Tripathi held a virtual review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners on Sunday.
(With inputs from ANI)
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