Assam floods have created havoc across the state. The increasing rainfall has led to the overflowing of many rivers leading to floods and landslides. The Silchar town, in particular, has been affected the most with the town being water-logged for the last 10 days.
This has led to the shortage of many resources including healthcare. The situation has worsened to the point that the state hospitals are forced to give chemotherapy to patients on road.
The unfortunate situation happened at Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Silchar town in the Cachar district. The Cachar Cancer Hospital is a 150-bedded hospital, however, it has been completely submerged in water. The administrators have requested live jackets for patients and staff. Rafts are also requested to transport patients and staff.
The resource-mobilization department of the hospital said that procedures like chemotherapy and other diagnostic procedures are carried out on the road. The hospital is still conducting emergency surgeries for patients. However, they have reduced the overall numbers because of a shortage of nitrous gas required for anaesthesia.
Various organizations and stakeholders are coming forward to assist in such grim times. District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in collaboration with UNICEF and OXFAM, an international charitable organization, has started to provide treatment units and drinking water to the people in need with the help of boats. Other important personnel from the Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have participated in the rescue and relief operations.
The number of deaths due to the Assam flood has increased to 139, according to a bulletin issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The number of people affected stood at 22.21 lakhs in 28 districts.
