SDRF Personnel Rescue Fog-Shrouded Ferry Carrying 134 Passengers to Majuli

GUWAHATI: A distressing incident took place on Monday when the MV Lohit ferry went missing during its journey on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The ferry was traveling from Nimati Ghat in Jorhat to Kamalabari, Majuli, carrying 134 passengers and 32 motorcycles. Departing at 1:30 pm, the ferry disappeared in dense fog, causing concerns for the safety of those on board. In response, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) promptly initiated a search and rescue operation from Kamalabari to locate the missing ferry and its occupants.

The ferry, carrying 134 passengers and 32 bikes, departed from Nimati Ghat at 1.30 PM. Majuli SP Bibekananda Das stated that due to heavy rainfall, fog, and limited visibility, the ferry was halted in a low-lying area. The SDRF promptly responded to the situation and managed to locate and rescue all the passengers.

In a remarkable display of efficiency and dedication, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully conducted a search operation to rescue stranded passengers aboard a ferry. Due to the proactive efforts of the SDRF personnel, the ferry was located and all passengers were safely brought back. Accompanied by a speed boat, the SDRF guided the ferry, ensuring a smooth journey, and finally arrived at the ghat at approximately 4:20 PM. This commendable rescue operation highlights the SDRF's commitment to safeguarding lives and their invaluable contribution to disaster response.

Due to heavy rainfall, the Brahmaputra River has experienced rising water levels, leading to the temporary suspension of ferry services between Jorhat and Majuli. This precautionary measure was taken by the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department to ensure public safety in light of the increased water levels. The suspension of regular ferry services has been in effect since Saturday, given the flood-like situation in Assam caused by continuous rainfall.

While regular ferry services are temporarily halted, the 108 ferry ambulance services are still operational, providing emergency medical transportation. However, the night ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati have also been discontinued, impacting passenger travel.

The IWT Department of Assam made the decision to suspend these services due to the sudden surge in water levels in the Brahmaputra River. This rise poses significant challenges and safety concerns for ferry operations.

In addition, night ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati have been suspended since Friday. The services will not be available for passengers from Saturday onwards. This decision was made by the IWT Department in response to the sudden rise in water levels of the Brahmaputra River. The suspension will remain in place until further orders, with ferry services ceasing from 6:30 pm.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)'s daily flood report, several districts in Assam, including Cachar, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, and Udalguri, have been severely affected by floods, impacting more than 33,400 individuals. Among these districts, Lakhimpur has been hit the hardest, with over 25,200 people being affected by the floods. Dibrugarh follows with more than 3,800 affected individuals, while Tinsukia has reported almost 2,700 affected persons. 

ALSO READ: Guwahati: VoE’s Clean, Eco-Friendly & Plastic Free Ambubachi Mela 2023 Initiative

ALSO WATCH: