Dispur (Assam) [India], June 24 (ANI): The Government of Assam is closely monitoring the evolving situation arising out of extremely heavy rainfall and flash floods reported in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, which are expected to have downstream impacts on several districts of Assam.
According to information received from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Guwahati and Meteorological Centre, Itanagar, the Yazali station in Lower Subansiri district recorded about 72.8 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours, with a major part of the rainfall occurring between 0600 hrs and 0900 hrs on 24 June. Satellite and radar imagery indicate that torrential rainfall occurred between 0600 hrs and 0730 hrs, resulting in flash floods and a substantial increase in river discharge in the upper catchment areas.
Flash floods have been reported in the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project (formerly Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project) area. Due to the sudden increase in inflows, operational measures were undertaken, and one spillway gate was opened to release excess water. Reports from Yazali indicate that flash floods accompanied by debris flow have caused damage to houses and infrastructure in the affected areas.
In view of the heavy rainfall in the upper catchments and the increased river flows, a substantial rise in water levels and flow velocity in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries is anticipated in the downstream areas of Assam. The flood wave is expected to first affect districts such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath and Sonitpur, before moving further downstream through other districts and eventually traversing up to Dhubri over the next one to two days. The situation is being monitored at the highest level in the State.
On the directions of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Secretary, Assam, has spoken to all concerned authorities and directed them to remain on maximum alert and ensure all necessary preparedness measures. District administrations and line departments in potentially affected districts have been asked to maintain close vigilance and take timely preventive and response measures, the press release stated.
Teams of SDRF, NDRF and other emergency response agencies are being kept ready for deployment, and field-level officers have been directed to closely monitor river conditions and vulnerable locations, the release said.
People residing in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant and, wherever necessary, move to safer places as advised by local authorities. Citizens are requested not to venture into inundated areas and to avoid travelling by country boats and other small vessels across the Brahmaputra and other rivers during this period, as river currents are expected to increase considerably.
The State Government is maintaining constant coordination with all concerned agencies and district administrations and will continue to issue advisories and updates as required in the interest of public safety, the press release said. (ANI)
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