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Assam flood turns catastrophic

The third wave of Assam floods turned catastrophic killing at least 35 people, increasing total flood tool this year to at least 85, where 23 are child, affecting 26 out of 27 districts in the state. Only a hills district, North Cachar is out of reach to flood. But it fell to land avulsion due to heavy rain in hilly areas and several people were died in past few months to land slide.

According to a government communiqué more then 7000 villages were inundated by devastating flood this year which affected 80, 80, 500 population and 4,00, 000 hectare crop area. According to 2001 census total population of Assam is 2, 66, 38, 407 and flood displaced are more then one third of the total population. There are reports of breaches in embankments in 60 places. Flash flood damaged National highway 31 and 52 partially and paused a threat to state's main life line NH 37 by eroding basement area of an important bridge in Golaghat district. Heavy traffics have been diverted through a gravel road. State's water Resource Minister Bharat Chandra Narah informed that the situation worsened because government did not get enough time to repair the breaches of dykes and embankments during the second wave of floods in the month of August. The first wave of pouring flood water hit the state on 11th June this year.

Surging flash of Brahmaputra washed away Matmora embankment near Dhakuakhana in Lakhimpur district on Sunday evening. Days after it washed away portion of Jengaraimukh embankment in the largest riverine island, Majuli inundating 65 villages. Majuli is also a cultural hub of Assam and center of Vaishnavite culture. If the embankment is breached, the whole island stands the risk of getting sunk. Another vital embankment in Bengena Ati also facing threats from rising flood and old PWD road is the last savior. If this embankment cum road is breached, there’s every possibility to Majuli getting bifurcated, with the Brahmaputra flowing right through the island. The Khorkhori Dubi point of the embankment is the most vulnerable part.
The Brahmaputra is flowing nearly 3 meter above (at 87.00) the danger level 84.90 near Majuli. It has also threatened to the existence to the century old Bhogpur and Bengena Ati Satra (Monasteries).

The second was more devastating and rattled the major flood protecting infrastructures and hence the damages were increased. That wave breached 55 dykes and embankments over 24 districts and washed away some portion of NH 31 and 52. Uninterrupted of rain over the state in last fortnight surged the rivers again forcing thousands to take refuge in relief camps. Heavy down pour in neighboring states Arunachal and Nagaland surged the down stream which racked havoc in plains. Sivsagar, Golaghat and Biswanath Chariali are some of the areas, which have seen major flood for the first time in their lives.

World famed Kaziranga national park is has been inundated again and the animals have either taken shelter in the high lands or crossed over to the neighboring Karbi Anglong hills. 14 rhinos were either fell prey to the poacher or drowned in flood water.

The latest report from the Central Water Commission (CWC) informed that the main Brahmaputra River has been increasing in its entire course and in all the points it has been flowing above the danger level. In Dibrugarh, red alert have been sounded as the water is flowing 1.75 meter above the danger level threatening the entire city. According to meteorology department, the cumulative rainfall since 1st June is 1275 MM.

In Barak valley more then 2.6 lakhs populations have been affected in the current wave of flood. On Thursday last Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Sing, also a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam took stock of the flood situation from State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi over phone and assured to extend all possible help from Union Government. He also expressed his desire to visit the state. Ruling United Progressive Alliance’s Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also rang up Chief Minister to take a brief note on flood situation.

Photo: A view of the devastation of the flood in Panikhaiti area on the outskirts of Guwahati on 13-09-07. Due to last few days incessant rain almost all the states of Assam facing the Seasons Second Flood. Pix by UB Photos.

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