Guwahati | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday assured flood-affected residents of Upper Assam that there would be no shortage of funds for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction, asserting that the Centre would continue to fully support the state’s disaster response efforts.

Beginning his ground assessment of flood-ravaged areas in Upper Assam, the Chief Minister visited Charaideo district and interacted with affected families, reviewing the extent of damage caused by the ongoing floods.

Addressing reporters, Sarma said the government was committed to extending all possible assistance to those who had suffered losses due to the disaster. “Almost 100 per cent of the financial assistance for flood relief and erosion management comes from the Central government. Therefore, there will be no shortage of funds,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether Assam would receive a special relief package from the Centre, Sarma maintained that the existing mechanism already ensured substantial financial support from the Union government.

“In Assam, the Centre and the State are not functioning as two separate governments. Whatever we spend on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction is largely reimbursed by the Centre. Our responsibility is to utilise the funds effectively and seek additional assistance whenever necessary,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid criticism from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who had earlier questioned the effectiveness of the government’s flood response during a visit to flood-hit areas of Jorhat. Gogoi alleged that available disaster management funds and resources had not been utilised adequately.

Sarma, however, said rescue and relief operations were being carried out in a coordinated manner by multiple agencies, including the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and various state government departments.

“There has been extensive damage to homes and property. Many people have lost livestock, textbooks and important documents. The government will help all affected families to the fullest extent possible,” he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that rescue efforts continued to face significant challenges in several marooned areas that remain inaccessible due to widespread inundation.

“We are aware that many people are still stranded in floodwaters. The Army, NDRF and SDRF teams are working tirelessly. Helicopter rescue operations were also attempted in some places, but there are areas where access remains extremely difficult because the entire region is submerged,” he said.

Describing the current situation as one of the most severe flood crises he has witnessed, Sarma said thousands of displaced people had taken shelter in relief camps while many others remained isolated in remote villages.

“Many affected families have reached relief camps, some are staying back in their villages, and others are stranded in areas where relief teams have not yet been able to reach. We are making every possible effort to assist them,” he said.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives during the floods, the Chief Minister said the administration was continuing search and recovery operations in affected districts.

“Several people have lost their lives, and bodies are being recovered gradually. The government stands firmly with the affected population, and we will continue serving them in every possible way,” he added.

Sarma also cautioned that the full scale of the disaster was yet to be determined.

“The actual damage is much greater than the current estimates. While details are being released through daily bulletins, the final assessment of losses will likely be significantly higher,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s visit comes as Assam battles one of the worst flood situations in recent years. According to official figures, the current wave of floods has claimed 31 lives, including 21 deaths reported in a single day, while more than 5.6 lakh people across 16 districts continue to be affected by the deluge.

With rescue operations ongoing and floodwaters yet to recede fully in several areas, the state government has intensified relief efforts while preparing for a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction programme in the aftermath of the disaster.