Assam on High Alert Due to Flood Threat from Arunachal Pradesh
Severe Weather Conditions Prompt Precautions
Severe flood in Arunachal Pradesh. (Photo: 'X')
Guwahati, June 24: Following intense rainfall and flash floods in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam has been placed on high alert. Authorities are warning of a potential increase in river levels across several downstream districts in the coming 24 to 48 hours.
The Assam government has indicated that the heavy rains in the upper catchment areas could significantly elevate water levels and flow rates in the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries downstream.
Officials are actively monitoring the situation, as the increased discharge from upstream areas raises alarms regarding the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
"The flood wave is anticipated to initially impact districts such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur before progressing downstream to Dhubri over the next couple of days," the statement noted.
In light of these developments, the Assam government has activated all relevant departments and is overseeing the situation at the highest levels.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed Chief Secretary Ravi Kota to engage with relevant authorities to ensure maximum readiness and a prompt response to any emerging challenges.
District administrations in at-risk areas have been instructed to closely monitor river conditions, embankments, and low-lying communities.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency services are on standby for immediate deployment if necessary.
Residents in flood-prone and low-lying regions have been advised to stay alert and evacuate to safer areas if local authorities issue such instructions.
Additionally, the public is urged to avoid entering flooded zones and refrain from using small boats on swollen rivers, where strong currents are anticipated.
According to data from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati and the Meteorological Centre in Itanagar, Yazali in Lower Subansiri recorded approximately 72.8 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with the heaviest downpour occurring between 6 am and 9 am on June 24.
"Satellite and radar data revealed intense rainfall over a brief period, leading to flash floods and a rapid increase in river inflows," the statement added.
Flash flooding has been reported in the vicinity of the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project, previously known as the Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project, where one spillway gate was opened as a precaution due to a sudden rise in water inflow.
Authorities have also noted debris flow and damage to homes and local infrastructure in parts of Yazali.