In past few weeks storm and lightning has had its toll as a disaster in Assam, with a loss of 23 human lives.
These include 10 in storm and 13 in lightning. Till date it has affected almost 22,801 families this year. The most affected districts are Golaghat, Sivasagar, Dhubri, Sonitpur and Cachar.
The State Government has directed all the Deputy Commissioners to release ex-gratia of Rs four lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased person within 48 hours. The State Government has already delegated the financial power to the deputy commissioners of all districts for sanction of ex-gratia etc.
The deputy commissioners of the storm affected districts are also directed to immediately take steps for assessment and reporting of the loss of property, so that the rehabilitation grant may be released for the fully/severely damaged houses.
This includes for pucca/kutcha houses at the rate of Rs 95,100 for plain areas, at the rate of Rs 1,01,900 for hilly areas and partially damaged pucca houses at the rate of Rs 5200 and for kutcha house at the rate of Rs 3200 and for for huts at the rate of Rs 4100 as per Government of India norms.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has also taken steps for awareness on do’s and don’ts in storm and lightning scenario through electronic media.
The respective District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have taken steps for trimming trees to avoid casualties.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are well equipped to clear roads whenever falling of trees disrupts road communication after a severe storm.
The Government is on alert and in state of preparedness to take care of all emergencies in this regard.