Flood situation still grim, B’putra, tributaries swelling

JORHAT/ DIBRUGARH: Flood situation in the state continued to remain grim with water levels of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries swelling, inundating several villages on Sunday. The situation in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Jorhat and Dibrugarh districts has worsened.
According to reports, over 3.51 lakh people of 772 villages in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Jorhat have been hit by floods.In Dibrugarh, over 23,000 people of 35 villagers have been affected. About 3177.5 hectares of farm land has been submerged, while there was no road communication in several places of the district.
Dhemaji is the worst-affected district in the state with about 2.25 lakh people marooned in 566 villages. The Brahmaputra and its tributary Jiadhol were showing rising trends on Sundaymorning.
Flood-hit villagers were taking refuge at various flood protection embankments, while about 5,000 displaced people managed to take shelter at 14 relief camps in Dhemaji. Rescue operation is being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
In Lakhimpur, over 82,000 people of 161 villages have been affected by floods. “The situation has remained the same on Sunday and rescue operations are on. However, there was no report of any casualty in the district,” said Lakhimpur deputy commissioner Gaurav Bothra. Earlier this month, three persons were killed in floods in the district.
In Jorhat district, the administration has stopped ferry services between Majuli Island and Neematighat, the only means of transport. Over 45,000 residents of 83 villagers were hit the deluge in Majuli.
“Ferry services with Majuli have been suspended temporarily due to the high currents of the Brahmaputra since Saturday evening,” said Jorhat deputy commuissioner Vishal Solanki Basant.
According to a Central Water Commission report, the river is flowing above the danger level at Neematighat and Dibrugarh.
Dibrugarh deputy commissioner Aruna Rajoria on Sunday visited a relief camp in the No 1 Sorai Habi area of Madhupur where about 300 people have taken shelter. She said all necessary measures were being taken by the district administration to tackle the situation and so far 375.66 quintals of rice, 69.8 quintals of pulses, 20.89 quintals of salt and 55 packets of candles have been supplied to the flood-hit villagers.