Assam flood fury: Next 48 hours very critical, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Citing the IMD, Sarma said that there are more rainfall predictions in different parts of the state and considers it to be a crucial period for the already flood ravaged

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that the next 48 hours will be extremely critical for the state as the flood situation has worsened since Sunday evening.

Soon after reviewing the situation and explaining the present situation to PM Narendra Modi, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in a media briefing expected that things might improve if the rainfall minimizes.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, CM Sarma said, “As of now no embankment has been breached (during the second wave of floods). But since the water level of the Brahmaputra is above the danger level in most of the districts and water will shift to lower Assam from Upper Assam, I assume that the entire state in the next 48 hours will be affected by floods. If there is minimal rainfall, we can heave a sigh of relief.”

Citing the IMD, Sarma said that there are more rainfall predictions in different parts of the state and considers it to be a crucial period for the already flood ravaged state.

“The IMD situated in Borjhar has predicted more rainfall in Nalbari, Karbi Anlgong, Dima Hasao and Tinsukia. Rainfall is also predicted in parts of Dhubri, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Golaghat, Biswanath, Tinsukia and Dima Hasao districts.

From this, thus we can say that in the next 3-4 days will be critical for the state, wherein we (government) will have to minutely observe the situation, wherever we find people in distress we have to assist them, “CM Sarma said.

Meanwhile, the Assam CM attributed the present flood situation to heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh and stated, “The main cause of the flood this time is heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh. In the Pasighat areas there has been incessant rainfall since the past many days. Naturally whenever there is rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, those water shifts to Brahmaputra. Moreover, due to the heavy rainfall in Upper Assam too, the flood situation has become complicated.”

As far as immediate steps are concerned, the Assam CM said that he has instructed his cabinet colleagues to rush to the most affected areas and do the needful on behalf of the government.

He said, “I have instructed my ministers to visit the flood affected districts. As such Ranjeet Dass is in Dibrugarh, Sanjay Kishan is in Dhemaji, Pijush Hazarika is also reviewing the situation from ground zero in Golaghat. I would also request the MLAs to stand by those in distress and assist them.”

“Since last night the flood situation in Assam has worsened. The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark in Dibrugarh, Neamatighat, Tezpur and the Subansiri is flowing above the danger mark at Bedeti Ghat. Dikhow in Sivasagar, Dichang in Sivasagar and Beki river in Barpeta are also flowing above the danger mark.

Generally, when the Brahmaputra and it’s tributaries flow above the danger mark, then it is understood that the flood water level has reached equivalent to the height of an embankment. If this level is breached than there is over topping of flood waters, which thereafter moves to the countryside. Whenever, the Brahmaputra exceeds the danger level, the situation is being taken seriously, ” CM Sarma added.

The Assam Government is also leaving no stone unturned for the safety of the animals at the Kaziranga National Park who cross the National Highway in search of highlands during the flood season and are prone to being hit by speeding vehicles.

Highlighting about the steps taken, CM Sarma said, “Flood waters have also inundated vast areas of the Kaziranga National Park. Out of the 233 forest camps used for the security purpose of the Park, 95 have been submerged by the flood waters. From today we have imposed restriction on the vehicular movement through the Kaziranga National Park. We have totally stopped plying of trucks through the animal and corridors. Those trucks will enter DIbrugarh through North Assam. The personal vehicles and night buses will be escorted by the police after every half an hour so that the speed limit of 30 kmph can be maintained.”

Sharing details about the flood situation CM Sarma informed, “Till this moment, 14 districts and 41 revenue circles in the state have been affected by the floods. 698 villages have already been inundated. The Barak valley is too included in this. 2,70,628 persons have been affected. 2 persons lost their lives in Dhemaji yesterday, a mother and her daughter.”

The Assam CM also mentioned that PM Modi today took stock of the flood situation in the state and assured to extend all necessary help to overcome the challenges.

COMMENTS