Guwahati, Aug 20 (IANS): The Indian Army on Thursday launched flood relief operations in Assam, rescuing over 2,000 people from inundated areas.

The army deployed four columns for flood relief operations in flood-hit Kokrajhar and Chirang districts.

"With the rising waters of Saralbanga River in Kokrajhar and various tributaries of Brahmaputra in Chirang, many villagers have been displaced. Army swung into action, launching boats and relief materials in the affected locations promptly," an official statement said.

More than 2,000 villagers have been rescued from inundated areas and the army has provided relief in terms of food and medical assistance along with evacuation to safe areas, the statement added.

"The army, in consonance with civil administration, is geared up for further operations if the flood situation worsens," it said.

Flash floods, triggered by heavy rains in the past few days, have affected nearly two lakh people in seven district of Assam.

According to reports, Kokrajhar is the worst-affected, with 87 villages flooded.