Severe Flooding Hits Chirang District in Assam, Displacing Residents
Flooding Crisis in Chirang District
Houses inundated by floodwater in Chirang district (Image)
Chirang, Sept 18: Numerous villages within the Sidli circle of Assam's Chirang district are grappling with severe flooding as water from the Bhutan hills has overflowed the banks of the Champabati River, inundating homes and damaging agricultural land.
The areas of Amin Para, Gorshingpara, and Thaigirguri have been particularly hard hit, with floodwaters invading residences, roads, and fields. The rapid rise in water levels has hindered transportation, leaving only a few paved roads accessible.
According to local MLA Paniram Brahma, the embankments of the Champabati River have been breached at three points, resulting in floodwaters spilling into surrounding villages.
“There has been significant destruction. The embankments of Champabati have failed at three locations, allowing water to flood our roads and homes. We are working on compensating the farmers for their losses. I have reached out to the Agriculture Minister to report the damages,” Brahma stated.
Residents reported that the floodwaters surged down from the hills, overflowing into the villages along the Champabati River. One local mentioned that approximately 20 to 25 homes have been affected.
“I am unsure of the water's origin. I know it is from the Champa River, flowing down from the hills. The water rushed in, causing floods that entered our homes and villages. About twenty to twenty-five houses were flooded,” the resident recounted.
The flooding has raised alarms among farmers, as agricultural lands have been compromised by the rising waters. This damage could exacerbate the losses faced by the local community.
In response to the crisis, senior officials and elected representatives have visited the affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. BTC executive member James Basumatary, MLA Paniram Brahma, and Chirang District Commissioner Gokul Brahma were on-site to monitor the flood response.
The administration is currently evaluating the extent of the damage, particularly to agricultural lands and homes, while also making arrangements to meet the immediate needs of those impacted.