DIPHU, May 29 - Several areas of West Karbi Anglong have been submerged by floodwaters of Kopili river. The water level of Kopili is well above the danger mark and its floodwater has forced several villages of low-lying areas to abandon their houses. According to reports, floodwater has submerged the areas around 3 in the morning yesterday.
Incessant downpour since the last two days in the entire Hamren valley and in the catchment areas of Kopili has increased the water lever of the river submerging many villages. Some of the worst-affected villages are Menmeji, Deramukh, Lalmati, Chitolijan, Kollongamukh, Bithung Sapori, Mugasong, Hatimura, Taradubi, Namtaradubi, Barman Gaon, Gondabil, Jalpara, Wakanta, Chongkan, East Bhellapara, Kulaigroup, Sildubi, Tarapung and Satgaon. Villagers told mediapersons that the water level of the river rose rapidly and due to this they did not get the time to shift their belongings to highland. Meanwhile, hundreds of domestic cattle have been washed away by the floodwaters.
Affected people have alleged that the abrupt increase of the water level was not only due to the rainfall, but to a certain extent due to the release of water from Umrangso and Khandong dams of the Kopili Hydro-Electric Project. There was disproportionate rise in the water level of the reservoir forcing the authority to release certain quantum of water. This has actually caused the flash flood in valley areas of West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. Particularly, Tumpering and Donkamukam have remained cut off from Hojai since yesterday.
Tuliram Ronghang rushed to the affected area today to provide emergency relief to the people. He asked the Deputy Commissioner of West Karbi Anglong to take prompt steps to provide aid to the affected people. He was accompanied by Amarsing Tisso, Executive member of Water Resource, Agriculture, Excise, Land Revenue departments etc., government officers and local leaders.
