Guwahati: Ramnath Kovind, the President of India, taking stock of the flood scenario in Assam, assured the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal that "the entire nation is with the people of Assam.
The President talked to the Assam CM over the phone and gave his assurance amid the flood scenario across Assam. Sonowal later said that he is humbled by the President's response.
"Hon'ble President Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji took stock of the flood & overall situation of the state over phone. I am humbled by his statement that the entire nation is with the people of Assam and thank him for his deep concern, constant support, and guidance", the Assam Chief Minister wrote on Twitter.
Earlier in the day, Ramnath Kovind flagged off as many as 9 trucks bearing supplies for the flood-affected states of Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh from the Rashtrapati Bhawan premises. Ramnath Kovind was also joined by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan as well as officials of the Indian Red Cross during the ceremony. These relief supplies for the flood-affected people of Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh shall be carried from Delhi to the concerned states by train and will be received by the state Red Cross branches of respective states.
To mitigate the flood crisis, the Centre will soon release Rs 346 crore as an initial amount. The Assam flood has so far affected 56 lakh people in the northeastern state, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held a detailed discussion with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the flood situation in the state through a video-conference, during which he conveyed the decision, it said.