Assam Floods: Medhikuchi villagers face an uncertain future due to devastating floods

A CORRESPONDENT

PATHSALA: Medhikuchi village is one of the worst affected villages in the Bajali district where more than 35 houses and many animals were washed away in the current wave of flood. The villagers were in shock and broke into tears after they returned home from the relief camp as their houses and animals were completely washed away when the embankment of the Pahumara River was breached by the flood.

The farmers who prepared paddy seedlings for the ensuing cultivation spent sleepless nights as their paddy fields were covered with sand. Manoj Talukdar, a resident of the area, is still waiting for his cows and chicken near the Pahumara river embankment. He said, "My three houses, six cows and 1,500 chickens from my farm were washed away. I have lost my sources of income. I don't have any house to stay in."

Kamleswar Kalita, a senior citizen of the area, said, "During flood time, we had to leave our homes without taking our important household items and animals. Now people are safe but their houses and animals have been completely washed away. It takes a few hours to destroy. But it takes years of hard work to be able to build a house again."

He also said, "The area is a flood-prone area. We have heard that the government is planning to build a Bhattadev University campus in this place. How can an institution function in this flood-affected area near the Pahumara River?"

A woman said, "We have lost our homes, animals, money and paddy. We are poor people, how can we regain our property and our animals as we don't have any other income source. Our hopes and dreams have been completely washed away by the devastating flood. The government should help us or we will die of hunger."

Various NGOs like Jan Briddhi and One Star are working day and night for the people. They have been distributing essential commodities among the flood-affected people. In Bajali, more than 3 lakh people of the district have been affected by the current wave of flood after Bhutan released water from the Kurichhu dam.

Also Read:  Flood scene still critical in Assam; Barak bearing the brunt

Also Watch: