GUWAHATI: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on Tuesday released a clarification to the residents of the state regarding the release of water from Kurichhu dam in Bhutan and its impact on the flood situation in Assam.
It was pointed out that the rise in water levels in rivers such as the Brahmaputra and its tributaries has been caused primarily due to the incessant rainfall in the upper catchment area of Bhutan.
ASDMA said recent reports in local media have caused panic among the population of Western Assam, which linked the rising water levels and floods to the release of water from the Kurichhu Dam. The disaster agency clarified that the flood situation in western Assam is not solely caused by the water release from the dam but is also a result of continuous rainfall in both the upper catchment area of Bhutan and Assam.
In order to provide further information, the ASDMA said that the Royal Government of Bhutan has issued a weather advisory on June 20, 2023, stating that cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall may occur in isolated areas of Bhutan in the next 2-3 days, which could potentially lead to rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
ASDMA advised all residents living in the riverine areas of Assam to be prepared with emergency kits and avoid venturing into rising waters during this period. Further, it urged people to refrain from activities such as fishing, collecting firewood, swimming, or crossing rivers unnecessarily during these days.
The authority said it remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and providing timely updates and support to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Assam.
Meanwhile, the flood situation continued to be grim in the state, with more than 34,000 people affected in 19 districts and subdivisions, 38 revenue circles and 523 villages. A total crop area of 5842.78 hectares remains inundated, according to the latest flood report from ASDMA on Tuesday afternoon.
The report also states that a total of 25 relief distribution centres and one relief camp have been set up, with 56 inmates.
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