Guwahati, Aug. 5 -- With each passing day, the true scale of the catastrophe caused by the floods in Upper Assam becomes clearer. At this moment, the most urgent task is to reach the affected people with essential provisions. The government is carrying out its routine measures, but the public response has been far more striking. People have come forward spontaneously and generously to help the victims. I have met very few who have not contributed something-money, materials or effort-towards flood relief.

Yet the truckloads of relief materials heading to Upper Assam must be properly coordinated in their distribution; that responsibility rests with the administration. The administration must also ensure care for the livestock that have bee...