Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - The Assam government has transferred Rs 15,000 each as immediate financial assistance to over 62,000 flood-affected families across four of the state's worst-hit districts to help them rebuild their lives.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said 62,696 families in Sibsagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat received the relief through direct bank transfer. The government expects the number of beneficiaries to rise to around 75,000 and has assured assistance to all eligible families once verification is completed. Families unable to return home by August 9 in the two worst-hit districts will receive an additional Rs 10,000.

The state will begin assessing permanent damage next week to provide compensation for rebuilding homes. Other relief measures include Rs 9 lakh for families of flood victims, a six-month loan moratorium, additional support under the Orunodoi scheme, waiver of land tax for one year and exemption from July electricity bills. So far, the floods have claimed 85 lives and over 1.36 lakh people remain affected.

The Assam government says it will continue relief and rehabilitation efforts until all affected families receive financial support and assistance for recovery.