GUWAHATI, Sept 23 � Flash flood and landslides continued to cause devastation in Guwahati for the second day today with the death toll due to landslip rising to four. Two persons died in two separate incidents of landslides in Lalmati and Dakhingaon, whereas a woman was injured in another landslide incident at Batahghuli.
The flood situation, meanwhile, remained grim in the affected areas of the city, giving a harrowing time to water-locked people of Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Rajgarh, Tarun Nagar, Lokhara and some other parts of the city.
Though rescue-and-relief operations were intensified in the flood-affected localities, due to high level of water, relief materials could only be sent through boats in many localities.
�We tried to provide relief materials, including drinking water, food and candles in areas like Lachit Nagar, Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar. More relief could be provided if water level comes down a bit and we are able to send trucks, etc., in the affected localities,� said sources in the administration.
�Though water receded in many areas, the situation is still far from normal. We are on a constant vigil and all possible help are being extended to the affected people,� DC, Kamrup (Metro) Dr M Angamuthu told The Assam Tribune.
Regarding the news about water from Meghalaya side entering Basistha area of the city, he confirmed that it was not the water released from Barapani reservoir. �Heavy rains in Meghalaya have surely contributed to the rising water level in Basistha. As the nature�s fury subsides, we would take preventive measures in Basistha area as well,� he added.
The Army has been deployed to assist in the rescue operation in the flood-affected areas. Led by one Brigadier and four other officers, the Army units have 10 JCOs and 75 jawans.
�One column from 51 Sub Area, Narengi with two officers, are already assisting in the rescue operation in Anil Nagar,� said Defence PRO Lt Col Suneet Newton.
People in some localities complained about inadequate relief material and scarcity of drinking water. As power supply has been disconnected in the affected areas, people are having a tough time fighting waterlogging and darkness. �We heard about supply of drinking water and candles from the administration but only two bottles of drinking water and one candle per family could not be called as �relief�. We are paying Rs 200 per trip to the rickshaws to bring drinking water and milk, etc.,� said a resident of Anil Nagar area. In Rajgarh area, however, some residents confirmed receiving 10 litres of drinking water from the administration.
On the other hand, several incidents of landslides were reported from Dhirenpara, Koinadhara, Gorhchuk, Noonmati and Pamohi. A portion of VIP Road was blocked due to landslide, whereas another road in Garchuk was also blocked due to landslide.
