Date:13/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/13/stories/2007091361161200.htm

National

PM, Sonia take stock of Assam flood over phone

Sushanta Talukdar

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday took stock of the flood situation in the State over telephone. He rang up Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and expressed grave concern over devastating third wave of flood in the State and assured all possible help by the Centre, said an official release issued here.

United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi also rang up Mr. Gogoi to take stock of the situation and assured all possible help, the government release added.

Mr. Gogoi apprised both the leaders about the situation and measures initiated by State government for rescue and relief operations. He informed the Prime Minister that in comparison to the first two, the third wave of flood had caused extensive damage to standing crops and communication network.

The death toll in the third wave of flood, which began on September 6, has gone up to 25. It has affected 43.29 lakh people of 4002 villages reeling under floodwater in 21 districts of the State. The State agriculture department has estimated the crop damage so far to be more than Rs. 700 crore.