In the first and second weeks of July, Assam faced the wrath of a second wave of floods, severely affecting human lives, crops, and infrastructure. Whereas it made life miserable for lakhs, it also revealed the compassionate side of many who went out of their way to help those in need.
At around 10 AM on July 2 2024, the Tengakhat Circle Office in Dibrugarh received a distress call from Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre – A Centre for Specially Abled Person, seeking assistance in rescuing young inmates. The dedicated officials of the Circle Office promptly initiated the rescue operation.
“When I got a call from the centre’s superintendent, Prabhakar Singh, we immediately contacted the Dibrugarh police, Health Department, District Child Protection Unit, Civil Defence, and Oil India Limited. In a very quick time, our team reached the spot,” said Jahnabi Goswami, Circle Officer of Tengakhat who supervised the rescue operation. “After 4-5 hours of rigorous efforts, wading through knee-deep water, 27 children were relocated to temporary shelters at Duliajan College where they were provided with food, water, clothing, medical care, etc,” she told Asom Barta over phone.
Duliajan College
the flood victims
The rescue operation was led by Eshanul Sofi, Assistant Deputy Controller, who sharing his experience said, “Initially, we attempted to use trucks and dumpers. However, these vehicles couldn’t access the area. Eventually, we bought a JCB with makeshift seats for the comfort of the children. The rescue operation commenced at 12:30 PM.”
“Communication also poised a significant challenge, especially with children who have speech or hearing impairments. Fortunately, our team was trained in alternative communication methods, including sign language, which proved invaluable during the rescue,” he added.
“Disasters and subsequent rescues can leave children scared and anxious. In such situations, psychosocial support becomes the need of the hour, especially for physically challenged children. Throughout the operation, our team of experts provided compassionate care and emotional support,” Sofi emphasised.
From Dibrugarh to South Salmara, the issue was one of reaching out to those in need.
These clinics serve as primary healthcare providers. From basic immunizations, antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC) checkups to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, we provide comprehensive medical care treatment
Dr. Saddam Hussain (Medical Officer, Majuli)
The Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs Department officials worked for days together to ensure food to all ration card holders despite water all around.
Biswajit Sonowal, Assistant Director (in-charge) of the Department for South Salmara told Asom Barta, “We worked all through to provide PMGKY rice to the flood-hit. We have requested fair shop owners to help the needy in all possible ways. Locals were extremely supportive in the process. We were able to meet 97% of our target.”
To provide medical care to flood-affected regions, the National Health Mission (Assam) deployed 15 floating clinics across Assam.
Riturekha Baruah Phukan, District Programme Officer of Majuli told this reporter that Majuli has 24 island villages out of which health camps in boat clinics were conducted in 15 flood-affected villages (as on July 26). “These clinics are equipped with required medical equipment and conduct regular health check-ups, health awareness programmes, and family planning sessions for eligible couples,” she said.
Dr. Saddam Hussain, Medical Officer in Majuli said that serving people in boat clinics comes with additional responsibility which he did with utmost sincerity. “These clinics serve as primary healthcare providers. From basic immunizations, antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC) checkups to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, we provide comprehensive medical care treatment.” Dr. Saddam and his team catered to approximately 18,000 people across various islands of Majuli.
Dibrugarh District Commissioner Bikram Kairi told this newsletter that this year’s second wave of flood had tested the mantle of his administration. “Despite all this, what we could also do was to focus attention on students of Class IX to XII. They are the ones who are affected most because of the loss of vital academic days. So, we organised summer camps for them to ensure that they recover whatever grounds they lost because of floods,” he said.
