Assam govt begins flood damage survey, compensation to start by mid-September

The Assam government has launched a comprehensive survey to assess the extensive damage caused by recent floods, which have tragically claimed 99 lives and devastated numerous homes and livestock across four districts. The survey, set to continue until August 30, aims to meticulously document losses incurred by affected families to facilitate compensation and rehabilitation efforts.

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Government officials will visit each affected family to assess the loss of lives and damages. Once this process is complete, the survey will be reviewed to ensure no one is left out. We hope to start providing monetary compensation by mid September.

Revenue and disaster management minister Keshab Mahanta stated that government officials will conduct door-to-door assessments in Sibsagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, districts severely impacted by the July 19 deluge. "We hope to start providing monetary compensation by mid-September," Mahanta announced, emphasizing the government's commitment to a thorough review process to ensure no one is overlooked.

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Those whose houses are completely damaged will get ₹1.20 lakhs, severely damaged ones where appliances and items inside the house are also ruined will also get a similar amount.

Details of the compensation structure were provided by minister for cultural affairs Bimal Borah. Families whose houses are completely destroyed will receive ₹1.20 lakhs, with a similar amount for those experiencing severe damage that includes ruined household appliances and items. Compensation for livestock includes ₹37,500 per cattle, ₹4,000 per goat, sheep, or pig (up to 30 animals per household), and ₹5,000 for damaged handlooms. Payments will also cover losses of poultry and crops, potentially bringing the total compensation for affected families to a minimum of ₹1.78 lakhs and a maximum exceeding ₹3.5 lakhs.

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Compensation for each cattle will be around ₹37,500, for damaged handlooms they will get ₹5,000 each, those who have lost goats, sheep or pigs will get ₹4,000 for each animal (up to a maximum of 30 animals per household).

In addition to these direct compensation measures, the Assam government has previously provided ₹15,000 in immediate relief to approximately 70,000 families. Further support includes a ₹9 lakh payout to the families of each deceased victim, a six-month moratorium on loans with an extended repayment tenure, and an additional ₹2,500 for families under the Orunodoi poverty alleviation scheme. Flood-affected residents will also benefit from a one-year waiver on land taxes and the cancellation of their July electricity bills.

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If everything is taken into account each affected family could get a minimum compensation of ₹1.78 lakhs and a maximum sum of somewhere above ₹3.5 lakhs each.