Assam flood situation worsens, toll mounts to 11

Flood situation in Assam on Tuesday turned grim with most of the rivers breaching embankments and inundating new areas all over Brahmaputra Valley. Road links have been snapped in many places, while the death toll due to the current wave of flood has mounted to 11 with one more casualty in Dibrugarh district.

The deceased has been identified as Balin Tai. The flood has also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and government and private property.

The authorities have already pressed the National Disaster Response Force to evacuate the marooned villagers to safer places. The army and the Indian Air Force Personnel too have been pressed into flood rescue operations in the worst-affected Tinsukia and Dhemaji districts.

In Dhemaji district, River Brahmaputra caused a breach of about 100 metres near Machkhowa inundating over 150 villages. About 50,000 people have been affected by the flood in the district. Flood water has inundated several villages near Nemati Ghat in Jorhat district driving thousands out of their home.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who is now in the U.S. on an official tour, instructed the concerned departments to intensify relief and rescue works. He also instructed the disaster management unit to remain alert for any eventuality.

Meanwhile, flash flood caused by heavy precipitation since Monday night, on Tuesday caused havoc in entire Guwahati city once again deluging several areas in the heart of the city. Educational institutions had to be closed for the day while attendance in government offices was very slim as people could not come of their marooned localities in the city.

Several areas of Fatasil Ambari, Lachit Nagar, Anil Nagar, Rajgarh, Bhangagarh, Tarun Nagar, Zoo road, GS road were flooded, following heavy rains since Monday night. One person was killed due landslide triggered by the heavy rain at Shantipur hill side in the city.

Water entered many households, bringing with it the filth from the drains and the streets. Several students were also stuck in the water-logged streets and the ensuing traffic congestion due to the flash floods. Most of the key roads in the city were inundated bringing vehicular movement to a grinding halt.