The toll in the Assam flood rose to 44 after five people died in rain-related incidents on Wednesday, PTI reported. Officials said more than 17 lakh people in 23 districts have been affected by the deluge. Over 31,000 people have been displaced and are taking shelter in 294 relief camps, the Hindustan Times reported.

“Our government is extending all possible help in rescue and relief operations,” Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

The five deaths were reported from Majuli, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Dhemaji and Nagaon districts, officials at the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said. Most of the deaths, however, have been reported in Lakhimpur which has been the worst-hit by the floods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Minister of State for Home Kiren Rjiju to visit the flood-affected areas on Thursday, Sonowal said.

The chief minister inspected flood submerged areas of Kaziranga National Park on Wednesday and directed forest officials to provide food and water to sheltered animals on a priority basis.