Dhubri Boat Capsize Averted: Local Heroes Save Schoolchildren
Dramatic Rescue in Dhubri
Locals rescuing the school children after the boat capsized
Dhubri, June 25: A significant disaster was narrowly avoided in the Dhubri district of Assam on Thursday when a country boat, carrying approximately 15 to 20 schoolchildren along with several local residents, capsized just before reaching Mela Ghat.
Quick-thinking locals jumped into the water and successfully rescued everyone on board before any serious harm could occur. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or major injuries reported.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the boat was transporting students from flood-affected villages to Dhubri town when it unexpectedly lost stability and overturned close to the riverbank.
The incident caused panic as passengers, including the children, were thrown into the river.
This event comes at a time when extensive areas around Mela Ghat are submerged due to ongoing floods, compelling residents to depend heavily on country boats for their daily commutes.
For many schoolchildren, crossing the river has become a perilous routine, as educational institutions remain operational despite the flooding.
Residents have voiced concerns that children from various villages have no choice but to use small country boats daily to reach their classes, which poses significant risks, especially during the monsoon season when river currents are stronger.
A local eyewitness expressed her worries regarding the absence of safe transportation options for students.
"Children are forced to navigate these floodwaters daily due to a lack of alternatives. Today's incident could have resulted in a tragic outcome. The government must take immediate action to provide safe ferry services or other transportation options. No child should have to risk their life just to go to school," she stated.
She reiterated the long-standing request for a bridge in the area, emphasizing that reliance on country boats becomes a life-threatening issue during the flood season.
"We are grateful that everyone was rescued today. However, we cannot rely on luck. A bridge is urgently needed to connect our villages. Each day, we must cross the river in small boats, and every trip feels perilous. If another boat capsizes under worse conditions, the results could be catastrophic," she added.
Community members have called on the district administration to ensure safe transportation for students during the flood season and to accelerate the development of permanent infrastructure projects, including bridge construction, to lessen reliance on unsafe country boats.