Assam: Dibrugarh faces severe waterlogging as heavy rains continue
DIBRUGARH: Dibrugarh town in Assam is grappling with severe waterlogging due to relentless heavy rainfall, with the situation worsening on Monday (July 01) as new areas succumbed to flooding.
Since June 27, all 22 wards of Dibrugarh town in Assam have been inundated, creating a crisis for residents and officials alike.
Assam State Disaster Management (ASDM) minister Jogen Mohan visited the flood-affected areas of Dibrugarh on Monday (July 01), assessing the situation first-hand.
He was accompanied by Dibrugarh district commissioner Bikram Kairi and SP Rakesh Reddy, who conducted inspections in the heavily waterlogged Thana Chariali area.
Following his visit, Jogen Mohan instructed the Dibrugarh district administration in Assam to take urgent measures to address the flooding.
“We are actively addressing the matter. If required, we will install more pumps to drain out the rainwater. We need to plan the drainage system scientifically for a permanent solution,” he stated.
Also read: Assam floods: Situation worsening, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Key roads such as Mancotta Road, AT Road, RKB Road, HS Road, KC Gogoi Road, Jail Road, VKV Road, Jhalukpara Road, KP Road, PN Road, and Convoy Road have been submerged for days, causing significant disruptions. Residential areas like Khalihamari, West Milannagar, Jiban Phukan Nagar, Lachit Nagar, Chowkidinghee Khaniagaon, Gangapara, Padum Nagar, Santipara, Lakhi Nagar, Jibon Phukan Nagar, Guardpara, and Graham Bazar are experiencing severe hardships due to the flooding.
The waterlogging has also affected critical infrastructure, including the Dibrugarh Police Reserve, old SP office, All India Radio office, Inspector of Schools office, Joint Director of Health office, schools, and colleges.
As a precaution, all schools in the entire Dibrugarh district in Assam have been ordered to remain closed by the Inspector of Schools.
Mayor Saikat Patra highlighted that floodwaters from the Brahmaputra River entering Dibrugarh from the Maijan area have exacerbated the situation.
“Without a cessation in rain and improved weather conditions, there may not be respite from waterlogging as drains are overflowing with water,” he explained.
Also read: PM Modi assures support to Assam amid second wave of floods
Residents like Ranjan Sharma expressed frustration over the situation, urging the district administration to address the root causes, including cleaning the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) drain using scientific methods and clearing illegal encroachments.
Tragically, a physical trainer teacher at Sampoorna Kendriya Vidyalaya, identified as Pawan Gare (29) died due to electrocution after coming into contact with a live wire from a generator while trying to restore power amidst the waterlogging.
He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a telephonic discussion with Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the flood situation in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and other parts of the state.
Sonowal requested Sarma to provide all necessary assistance to flood victims and mitigate losses.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma assured immediate relief and support to the affected regions.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 25,819 people and 78 villages have been affected in the Dibrugarh district.
The district administration has set up nine relief camps, providing shelter to 708 inmates.