Flood situation in upper Assam remains grim

More than 50,000 people have been affected as more than forty villages were flooded by the swelling tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra river in upper Assam's Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts.

Flowing above the danger level due to heavy rain, the Jiadhol river flooded more than 25 villages in Dhemaji revenue circle and submerged a portion of NH-52 at Samarajan in Dhemaji town.

The Simen river also flooded more than 15 villages at Jonai sub-division. The worst-hit villages are Pachim Dhemaji, Kapah Tali, Noruwathan, Bordolpa, Sakadoloni, Kesukhonda and Garubandha, official sources said.

Meanwhile, Jonai sub-division All Assam Students Union (AASU) unit today blocked NH-52 at Jonai to demand more flood aid to the affected people.

In Lakhimpur district, all the principal tributaries and sub-tributaries of the Brahmaputra are rising with the Subansiri at Silakhaguri, Ranganadi at NH-52 bridge, Singra at NH-52 crossing and Dikrong at Sisapathar flowing much above the danger level, sources said.

North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) sounded an alert last night as the water level of its dam site reservoir was rising. They also informed Lakhimpur district administration that the dam might spill over today.

The flood situation in Nowboicha revenue circle due to the overflowing of the Singara river was still grim, they said, adding, the district administration was closely monitoring the prevailing situation.