Water from Bhutan worsens flood scene in Assam

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: There is no letup in the flood situation in the state, with flood waters inundating fresh areas. The number of affected villages has increased to 523 from 444 yesterday.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said on Tuesday that the incessant rainfall in the upper catchment area of Bhutan is also responsible for the surge.

The ASDMA said, “There has been a panic situation among the population of western Assam, linking the rising water levels and floods to the release of water from the Kurichhu Dam in Bhutan. However, it is crucial to understand 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 areas of Bhutan and Assam.”

The disaster management authority further said that the Royal Government of Bhutan issued a weather advisory on Tuesday stating that light to moderate rainfall may occur in isolated areas of Bhutan in the next 2-3 days, potentially leading to rising water levels in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

“It is advised that all residents living in the riverine areas of Assam be prepared with emergency kits and avoid venturing into rising waters during this period. Further, people are urged to refrain from activities such as fishing, collecting firewood, swimming, or crossing rivers unnecessarily during these days,” the statement mentioned. The number of relief camps has also risen to 25 in the state.

Also Read:   Twin trouble: More than floods, erosion wreaks havoc in Assam

Also Watch: