Assam flood takes 80 more villages under its grip

GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam turned critical today as 80 more villages in the worst-hit Dhemaji and Morigaon districts were submerged and standing crops in nearly 1,100 hectares damaged.

Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) sources said with the inundation of 80 new villages the total number hit by the current spate of flood has gone up to over 240 in nine districts.

Official sources said so far 75,000 people have been affected by the flood, while the body of a 12-year-old boy, who had been washed away by the high current in Brahmaputra river at Jengpuri in Morigaon district, was pulled out yesterday.

ASDMA sources said flood and erosion have devastated human habitation and crop fields in Morigaon's Bhuragaon and Mayong revenue circles.

A total of 5,000 hectares of agricultural land with standing crops including rice have been damaged, while over 30,000 animals and poultry are affected by the devastating floods.

Severe erosion by Brahmaputra has rendered 100 families homeless at Jengpuri, Nathgaon and Boralimari under Bhuragaon revenue circles of Morigaon district, the sources said.

Three relief camps have been set up in Dhemaji district, where nearly 1,000 people are taking shelter.

ASDMA sources said six roads, one bridge and three culverts have been damaged in Golaghat district and an embankment each breached at Madanpur and Chandpur in Karimganj district.

In Dhemaji, erosion has started on Khalihamari Butikur Road. Temporary restoration work has been carried out by providing bamboo palisading and earth filled cement bags.

Meanwhile, the surging water of Brahmaputra and those of Kopili and Kolong rivers have inundated 60 per cent of the 38.80-sq km Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Rhinos, deer, pygmy hog, wild buffaloes and other animals from the sanctuary, which boasts the highest density of one-horn Great Indian Rhinoceros population, are taking shelter on high platforms built for their succour, forest department officials said.

In Kaziranga National Park, the flood water has forced the animals to take shelter on highlands and in the neighbouring Karbi Anglong hills by crossing NH 37, they said.

KNP authorities are on alert and have undertaken day-night vigil and patrolling by boats in the flooded park to protect wildlife from deluge and poachers, the sources added.