Severe Flooding in Assam: Government Takes Emergency Measures

Flood Situation Escalates in Assam

Guwahati, June 25: The flood crisis in Assam worsened on Wednesday as rising river levels, breaches in embankments, and relentless rainfall inundated numerous districts, prompting the state government to issue maximum alerts for vulnerable regions.

In Dhemaji district alone, over 20,000 individuals have been impacted, while new flooding in Bajali has submerged farmland, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted daily life.

In response to the alarming rise in river discharge from upstream areas, the Assam government has ramped up its flood preparedness efforts.

As per reports from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati and the Meteorological Centre in Itanagar, exceptionally heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has led to a significant increase in river flows, posing a serious risk to downstream districts.

Authorities have indicated that the flood wave is anticipated to first affect Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur before progressing to other districts, ultimately reaching Dhubri within the next couple of days.

Following directives from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Secretary has instructed all district administrations and relevant departments to maintain maximum alertness and ensure full preparedness.

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency services are on standby for deployment, while field officers have been tasked with closely monitoring river conditions, embankments, and at-risk locations.

The government has advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and relocate to safer locations when instructed by local authorities.

Residents are also urged to refrain from entering flooded areas or using small boats across the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, as river currents are expected to become more intense.

A high alert has been issued in Lakhimpur district due to a sudden rise in the Ranganadi River's water level following the release of water from an upstream hydroelectric project.

The district administration has activated emergency response protocols and deployed SDRF personnel to manage any potential emergencies. Officials have reported alarming rises in the Dikrong and Singra rivers as well.

An emergency control room has been established, and residents in need of assistance have been encouraged to reach out to the district helpline at 6003186268.

The initial wave of floods has already severely affected Dhemaji district, where continuous rainfall over recent days, combined with heavy precipitation in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, has caused rivers and streams to overflow.

Official estimates indicate that more than 20,000 individuals across 84 villages have been impacted by the floods, which have submerged nearly 920 hectares of agricultural land, leading to significant crop damage.

The overflowing Jiadhal River has inundated villages such as Bhoju Gaon, Dihiri, Salmari, and Goroimari within the Dhemaji Revenue Circle, resulting in shortages of food and drinking water for affected residents.

Similarly, the swollen Na-Nadi has flooded 32 villages in the Gogamukh Revenue Circle, including Chutakari, Bordoi-Bali, Chelajan, Lotia, Na-pam, and Berbhonga, affecting over 500 families.

Floodwaters have also overtopped the Gogamukh-Ghilamara PWD road at Champora, disrupting road connectivity between Bordoibam and Ghilamara for three consecutive days. Extensive areas of cultivated land in Bilmukh and Konwarbari have also been submerged.

In Jonai, the rising Dikari River has entered residential areas in Jamuguri, Siyari, Uluwani, and Majgaon under Randhan Panchayat, while the Sille River has flooded Malbhog-Santipur and Rabhakathoni under Bahir-Jonai Panchayat, leaving villagers grappling with waterlogging and disrupted access.

The district administration has set up a relief camp at Dharampur Lalikijan LP School under Jiadhal Panchayat, providing shelter to around 20 severely affected families.

Officials from the Dhemaji Water Resources Division have reported that the Brahmaputra River is nearing the danger mark at Sissikolghar, with tributary water levels continuing to rise, raising concerns that the flood situation could deteriorate further if rainfall continues.

The initial flood wave has also impacted Bajali district, where the swelling Kaldia River breached nearly 50 meters of an embankment on Tuesday evening, inundating vast areas of agricultural land across several revenue villages.

Floodwaters have submerged the Dr Jinaram Road-Kaoimari Road, the Kaoimari-Rampur Road, and surrounding areas, severely disrupting road communication. Water has also entered multiple residential areas.

Officials report that approximately 2,000 livestock have been affected, and nearly 35 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged, raising concerns among farmers about significant crop losses.

Local MLA Dharmeswar Roy, along with departmental officials, visited the affected regions on Wednesday to assess the damage. During the visit, villagers claimed that indiscriminate excavation near the embankment in the past had compromised its integrity, making it susceptible to erosion and eventual breach.

In response to these allegations, the MLA instructed the Bajali Circle Officer to conduct an investigation and take action against those found responsible.

Roy also assured residents that the breached embankment would be repaired and reinforced promptly to prevent further flooding and protect nearby villages. Additionally, he announced that the district administration would distribute free animal feed to livestock owners in the affected Bongaon area.

Meanwhile, ongoing rainfall has triggered multiple landslides along National Highway-315A (Joypur-Hukanjuri), a crucial route connecting Assam's Dibrugarh district with neighboring Arunachal Pradesh.

The most severely affected section is near the Kathalguri Beat Office under the Joypur Forest Range, where a significant portion of the hillside road has collapsed into a deep gorge, leaving the carriageway dangerously narrow.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), a new landslide struck the Kothalguri U-turn on Tuesday, further deteriorating road conditions. This affected section traverses the ecologically sensitive Dihing Patkai National Park.

Authorities have placed geo-bags along vulnerable areas, restricted heavy vehicle movement, and imposed a night traffic ban between 6 pm and 6 am on the Joypur-Kathalguri section. Safety barricades have also been installed while restoration efforts are ongoing.

As river levels continue to rise and rainfall is expected to persist in the coming days, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable districts to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to advisories issued by local administrations.