Severe Flooding Affects Northern and Central Assam

Floodwaters Cause Widespread Damage

Raha, Aug 5: The devastating floods in Assam have now extended beyond Upper Assam, impacting regions in northern and central Assam.

On Wednesday, an embankment in the Mangaldoi area of Darrang district was breached, leading to flooding in several villages within the Samaguri Revenue Circle of Nagaon district. This situation has affected numerous residents and submerged extensive agricultural lands.

A significant breach occurred in the Noa River embankment at Bengabara village, allowing floodwaters to flow into nearby areas.

This breach has submerged large sections of the panchayat, affecting over 100 families.

A local resident mentioned that the embankment was built many years ago, and while a new protective structure was in progress, the existing embankment collapsed shortly after cracks appeared.

He expressed his disbelief, stating, "I've never seen an embankment fail so quickly after showing signs of damage," and voiced concerns about the potential impact on Outola Panchayat and parts of Sipajhar constituency.

Residents have also raised alarms about the condition of nearby embankments, which are at risk of failing if water levels continue to rise.

Authorities are actively monitoring the situation due to fears of additional breaches.

Meanwhile, rising levels in the Diju River have caused flooding in various villages within the Samaguri Revenue Circle in Nagaon district.

Low-lying areas in Misa (Diju Basti), Sialekhaiti, Khalihamari, Bhumuraguri, Sonaribali, and Ghatanga have been inundated following a sharp increase in the river's water level.

Farmers are particularly worried as vast agricultural lands have been submerged, raising concerns about crop losses.

Diju Basti in Misa has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with several homes along the riverbank surrounded by floodwaters, leaving residents anxious about further flooding.

Rising water levels of Diju River triggered flooding in several villages of Nagaon (Photo: AT)

To evaluate the situation, officials from the Samaguri Revenue Circle, including the Circle Officer, Disaster Management personnel, local mandals, and village heads, visited the affected regions. They inspected inundated homes, submerged farmland, and vulnerable low-lying areas while engaging with local residents.

Flooding has also impacted the 23 Line area of Diju Valley Tea Estate in Kaliabor, forcing several families to evacuate. One resident reported that floodwaters entered their home around 4 am on Wednesday after continuous rainfall overnight.

"We have lived here for nearly a decade, and this is the first time we are experiencing such severe flooding. Just two weeks ago, we had to stay in a relief camp for five days due to a similar situation. Now, we have taken shelter in a school," the resident shared.

Locals estimate that around 12 to 13 families in the tea estate are currently affected and are awaiting assistance as the situation evolves.

Additionally, heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh has caused the Dikrai River to swell, leading to fresh flooding in parts of Biswanath district.

Floodwaters from the river have inundated several villages in the Jamugurihat area, including Narowa, Balibari, and Dhekerigaon, submerging homes, courtyards, and cattle sheds. As water levels continue to rise, residents have been compelled to seek refuge on higher ground, embankments, and roadside shelters along with their livestock.

Naduar MLA Padma Hazarika visited the affected areas on Wednesday to assess the situation and interact with flood-impacted families. He instructed the district administration to expedite relief and rescue efforts in vulnerable locations.

Residents from the affected villages have called on the administration to ensure the prompt supply of dry rations, cattle feed, safe drinking water, and medical assistance as floodwaters disrupt normal life in the region.

Officials have stated that the administration is closely monitoring the river's water levels and has instructed all relevant departments to be prepared to provide assistance if conditions worsen.

So far, no casualties have been reported in the affected areas.