PM in Assam, to take up flood issue with Bhutan, China

The prime minister also announced that a high-powered task force would be constituted to go into details of the flood and erosion problem faced by the state. The task force would be asked to submit its recommendations within six months.

‘‘We hope to come out with a detailed programme before the next budget session of Parliament,’’ Singh said, adding: ‘‘We will have to look at the problem of floods with a holistic view taking the entire Northeastern region into consideration,’’ he said.

Singh said there would be no shortage of funds from the Centre and a sum of Rs 181 crore has already been released under various heads to the Assam government.

Earlier the PM, accompanied by Union Ministers S.M. Dev and B.K. Handique, made an aerial survey of the lower Assam districts of Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta and Chirang. He also held discussions with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, officials of the Brahmaputra Board and the Central Water Commission. Gogoi — who informed Singh that damage assessment has been worked out to around Rs 3,000 crore — said: ‘‘The Brahmaputra has crossed the highest danger mark for the first time since 1980.’’

The flood situation in Assam continued to remain grave with fresh rains in Arunachal and Bhutan bringing more water. The death toll has risen to 92 and the level of the Brahmaputra, which is already above the red mark, has risen further. Authorities have ordered evacuation of patients from Assam Medical College.

Flood waters entered Tinsukia town last night, while road and rail links between upper and lower Assam remained cut off. NH 31 between Jagiroad and Raha has been submerged while the only rail link between Guwahati and Dibrugarh has been inundated between Kampur and Hojai in Nagaon district.

Fresh areas under water in Arunachal

ITANAGAR: The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh worsened on Tuesday with inundation of many fresh areas, mostly in six districts, four of which — Lohit, East Siang, Lower Dibang and Anjaw — remained cut off for more than two weeks following heavy landslides.

Pasighat remained submerged without power supply for the last fortnight following breakdown of Yambung and Pasighat hydel projects. More than five bridges and some portions of road links were washed away at several places.

Rivers receding, Bihar optimistic

PATNA: With major rivers receding, the flood situation in Bihar is likely to improve. Rivers like Bagmati, Gandak, Kreh, Kosi and Adhwara, flowing above the red mark at certain points, were receding following the spread of water, says a Central Water Commission report. State Disaster Management Department sources said 86 people have so far lost their lives and water has caused extensive damage to standing crops, public and private property that was estimated to be around Rs 50 crore.

Meghalaya claims ‘adequate’ funds

SHILLONG: Even as one lakh people remain affected in West Garo Hills, the Meghalaya government on Tuesday said it has adequate Central funds to undertake relief measures in the state. ‘‘At the moment we have adequate Central funds to the tune of Rs 20 crore available with us to give relief to the affected people,’’ Chief Secretary Peter J. Bazel