Sivasagar Faces New Flood Threat Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts
Emerging Challenges in Sivasagar District
Minister for Agriculture Pijush Hazarika, along with Minister Bimal Borah, visiting the flood-hit areas at Nepali Khuti, Bihubar in Sivasagar on Saturday
Sivasagar, Aug 2: Following the devastation from recent flooding, Sivasagar district is now contending with a new crisis as erosion has compromised the Disang embankment at Betbari Barpatra, necessitating urgent protective actions. Continued rainfall in Nagaland's catchment areas could exacerbate the situation, placing additional strain on the embankment. As of 6 PM on Saturday, water levels in the Disang river at Nangalamora Ghat and AT Road crossing are on the rise.
In contrast, the Water Resources Department reports a decline in the water levels of the Dikhow and Mitong rivers. Last night, rumors regarding a potential breach of the Dikhow embankment at Meteka and Hatikhok caused significant alarm among local residents; however, officials have confirmed that the situation remains stable, and efforts to reinforce the embankment are ongoing.
Relief supplies, including food, clothing, medicines, and tarpaulins, are arriving in substantial quantities from various regions, including as far as Punjab, to assist the severely affected populations in Sivasagar and Charaideo.
Thousands of families in these districts are still displaced, with their homes filled with mud and debris. For many, the aftermath of the devastating flood has left them without shelter after 13 days of destruction.
Numerous families are currently residing in tents along roads such as Ramani Ali, AT Road, and BG Road. While official reports indicate a death toll of 41 in Sivasagar, this number may increase as some individuals remain unaccounted for.
Various NGOs and self-help groups have mobilized to provide relief materials to the affected areas. Anajory from Rajahowli, Jorhat, led by president Anwara Begum, distributed food items at Boliaghat on Friday.