Guwahati, Aug 12: The Assam government is working in “mission mode” to repair and strengthen flood-damaged embankments across the state, with four of five breach points in Jorhat district already restored, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

Taking to X, CM Sarma said the state administration was working on a priority basis under the #AssamFloodResponse initiative to repair and strengthen embankments and prevent further damage in vulnerable areas.

“In Jorhat, work at 4 of the 5 breach points is already complete, with the remaining work at Shalmara nearing completion,” the Chief Minister said.

The progress comes as the state continues to strengthen its flood-control infrastructure following damage caused to embankments at several locations. Embankments play a crucial role in protecting Assam’s flood-prone settlements and agricultural areas from rising water levels.

Breaches in these structures can lead to rapid inundation of villages, farmland and infrastructure, making timely restoration critical.

The government has been directing officials and field agencies to accelerate repair works at vulnerable locations and reinforce embankments to improve their resilience against future flooding.

The Jorhat works are among the ongoing measures being undertaken as part of the state’s wider flood-response efforts. The completion of four breach points is expected to strengthen protection in the affected areas, while work at Shalmara is being expedited for early completion.

Assam remains particularly vulnerable to annual floods because of its extensive river network, including the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

Flooding frequently affects habitation, agriculture, roads and other public infrastructure across several districts.

The state government has also been focusing on preventive measures, including strengthening embankments at vulnerable stretches and improving preparedness before subsequent waves of flooding.

CM Sarma’s update highlights the administration’s emphasis on rapid restoration of damaged flood-control infrastructure while simultaneously working to strengthen embankments against future threats.

The Chief Minister said the government would continue working in mission mode, underscoring the priority being accorded to flood management and protection of vulnerable communities.

Jaipur, Aug 11: A private school bus carrying around 25 children caught fire near Dhauva village in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Tuesday, said officials, adding that all were saved and there were no casualties or injuries.

According to the officials, the bus was travelling through the area to pick up students from nearby rural areas when smoke suddenly began billowing from the engine compartment. Within seconds, flames erupted, triggering panic among the children and staff.

The driver immediately pulled the bus over to the roadside and, along with the bus staff, evacuated all 25 children to safety.

Their prompt action helped avert what could have been a major tragedy. The fire spread rapidly, and within minutes the entire bus was engulfed in flames and reduced to a charred wreck.

The bus was reportedly approaching Dhauva village when smoke was first noticed coming from the engine area. As soon as the fire was detected, the driver stopped the vehicle and ensured that every child was safely evacuated. Just minutes after the children were moved away from the bus, the flames engulfed the entire vehicle. Families and local residents breathed a sigh of relief after learning that all the children had escaped unharmed.

Villagers immediately informed the local administration and fire department about the incident. Fire tenders from the Jaisalmer Municipal Council reached the spot, and firefighters began efforts to bring the blaze under control.

After sustained efforts, the fire was extinguished. However, by then, the bus had been completely gutted.

A short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical system is suspected to be the initial cause of the fire.

The exact cause is yet to be confirmed. Police and the relevant departments are investigating the incident. Fortunately, no children or staff members sustained physical injuries.

The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety equipment, vehicle maintenance and mandatory fitness inspections for school buses.

Parents have called for stricter mechanical and electrical inspections of school vehicles in the district to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Guwahati : More than 77,000 people continue to remain sheltered in relief camps across Assam as the flood situation in the state remains under close watch, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being intensified across the flood-affected areas as the state government continued to respond to the situation.

“More than 77,000 people continue to be sheltered in relief camps as the situation remains under close watch,” Sarma said in the post.

He added that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being stepped up across the affected areas.

The latest update comes as several parts of Assam continue to grapple with the impact of floods, with thousands of people dependent on government-run relief camps for shelter and essential assistance.

The state administration and district authorities have been engaged in relief and rescue operations, while efforts are also underway to restore essential infrastructure and services in areas affected by the floods.

The Chief Minister has been regularly sharing updates on the flood situation and the measures being undertaken by the state government.

Officials have been monitoring water levels of major rivers and the condition of embankments in vulnerable areas, even as authorities remain alert to the possibility of further deterioration in some locations.

The continuing presence of more than 77,000 people in relief camps highlights the scale of the humanitarian challenge facing the state, with rehabilitation emerging as a key priority alongside immediate relief operations.

The government has also been focussing on restoring roads, communication links and other essential infrastructure disrupted by the floods, while affected communities are being provided assistance through relief mechanisms.

Sarma said the administration would continue to closely monitor the situation and accelerate restoration and rehabilitation measures wherever required.

The flood situation in Assam has caused widespread disruption in several districts this season, affecting homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure.

With a large number of people still residing in relief camps, authorities are expected to maintain enhanced preparedness until water levels recede and affected families can safely return to their homes.