Guwahati:
Flood waters have started to recede a day after nine people were killed in flash floods in Assam's capital of Guwahati. But with the threat of more rain looming large over the city, and the entire state, the normalcy is unlikely to be restored soon.
For over 24 hours now, the rain hasn't been intense in Guwahati, and this has meant no fresh flooding.
But water supply still hasn't resumed in most areas that were flooded; tankers are the only source of potable water. Certain areas have had no electricity for three days now. A forecast by the Met department of heavy rain in the city within the next 24 hours has only added to the misery of the residents.
"Every year we see the same scenes. I don't understand why the government can't do more about drainage," says Kishori Lal, a local.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, meanwhile, has blamed the weather for the plight of the residents. "Practically the situation in Guwahati is very serious and challenging also. I have never seen floods in the 13 years that I have been in power," Mr Gogoi said today.
In the last 24 hours, the state government has set up two relief camps across Guwahati, distributing basic medicines and food, and sent water tankers to the areas worst affected by the floods. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force are also on standby.
The flood situation continues to be grim in several parts of the state. So far, four districts, 27 villages and over 6,000 people have been affected. But with the monsoon having just arrived in these areas, the Assam government will need to be prepared to deal with any eventuality.