TURA, July 21 ? Interim relief has already started from the West Garo Hills district administration side for the nearly one lakh people severely affected by the floods which have devastated most areas of the plain belt in the district. Rice and dal along with edible salt for three days sustainance have been distributed free of cost for inhabitants of 15 villages under Tikrikilla development block, 13 villages under Zikzak development block, and 93 villages under Selsella development block, even as the number of flood affected people rose close to 90,000 with 11 GramSevak Circles under Selsella severely affected by the recent floods. Kerosine oil is being provided to the villagers at retail price.
However, there are no relief camps set up as most of those affected have only moved to higher ground with close proximity to their homes. Many of the people have taken temporary shelter in double storeyed school buildings, and on bridges. Relief workers are utilising country boats to move from one village to another for distribution of ration. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department have also installed hand pump sets for supply of drinking water and it mobile filteration unit is also assisting by providing additional and safe drinking water. The district administration has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 5 lakh for purchase of medicines for the flood affected areas.