[Assam] Flood relief (EDITORIAL,The Assam Tribune,25.09.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

                Flood reliefThe post-flood situation in Dhemaji district of upper Assam exposes the inadequacy and inefficiency of the government machinery to deal with a disaster of such magnitude. While the recurring floods may elude a permanent solution for a long time, the Government at best should be able to ensure that the flood-hit people get timely relief and rehabilitation. But sadly, the deteriorating post-flood situation in Dhemaji presents a picture in stark contrast. The floods have destroyed cropland, shattered road communication and rendered thousands homeless. Now, bereft of any gainful avenues of income, the affected people are staring at a bleak future. The situation is fraught with dangerous and far-reaching implications for the State’s socio-economic front. Given the extent of the flood-induced damages suffered by the district year after year, the State Government ought to have put in place an effective post-disaster management mechanism by now. But the
 prevailing situation of gloom and despair indicates that nothing of that sort had even been attempted. Most countries that face the fury of floods have an effective post-flood management system so that the people get relief and are properly rehabilitated following the ravages of floods. Since it is not generally possible to prevent floods, what can be done is to ensure that the flood-hit people do not remain without relief and rehabilitation. This alone can lessen the sufferings of the affected. It is a matter of regret that our authorities have not yet thought it prudent to initiate concrete post-flood management measures. The very principle of disaster management rests on the premise that it is the post-disaster scene that is more damaging but at the same time, can be mitigated to a great extent. The situation in Dhemaji is worsening with every passing day, with no tangible help forthcoming for the people. Food scarcity, lack of safe drinking water and absence of medical
 facilities have pushed the affected populace to the brink. It is high time the Government took a serious note of the deteriorating situation and initiated practical measures to restore some semblance of normalcy. The lackadaisical and resigned attitude of the State Government is only adding to the sufferings of the people. What Dhemaji is going through is nothing short of a catastrophe, but timely intervention could have mitigated the situation. The Government must realise the gravity of the situation and come up with an effective delivery system so that the flood-hit people are not left in the lurch.
                 
   
  (The Assam Tribune,25.09.2007)  



       
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