TEZPUR, Sept 10 - Following incessant rains since yesterday evening, the swelling waters of Jorakhor river have thrown life out of gear in Balipara and Chariduar areas today, submerging a total of 19 villages prompting villagers to take shelter in safe places.
Stating that it has been the most devastating flood ever experienced by the people of the area in their life, circle officer of Chariduar, Dr Surya Kamal Bora said though Balipara had been a flood-prone area, mostly affected by Jorakhor river, the pattern has changed over the last few years.
Today�s wave of flood has caused major damage in the greater Chariduar area submerging as many as 19 villages � Bamgaon, Khelmati, Panipota, Kholihamari, Digaligaon, Ulubari, Natunmati, Kalapahar, Bakula, Ouhola, Bogijuli, Bhubula, Tarabari, Thakaraloga, Bakula, Morikhuti, Dhekerigaon, Udmari and Kamarigaon. The premises of the Chariduar Police Station, SDC office, hospital, CPWD office, etc., were also under floodwaters.
According to reports, one Dipak Das of Ulubari village drowned in flood waters this morning. The body of the 18-year-old boy is yet to be traced though rescue operation is on.
The floodwaters have also submerged the Rangapara-Balipara road, Balipara-Tezpur NH-15, Balipara-Chariduar road and Balipara-Lakhimpur NH-15 at several places. Many vehicles remained stranded on the waterlogged roads causing difficulty to commuters.
Official sources said, personnel from the Army, paramilitary forces, SDRF, Assam Police have been pressed into rescue and relief operation. Relief materials have also been distributed among the flood-affected people. Members of AASU, ABSU and Axom Sena are also extending help in rescue and relief operations.
Besides the district administration officials, Rangapara MLA and Power Minister Pallab Lochan Das and Sootea MLA Padma Hazarika visited the flood-affected areas to take stock of the situation.
Staff Reporter from Guwahati adds: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta to visit the flood-affected areas of Balipara and Chariduar to study the damage and supervise the relief and rescue operations.
Sonowal also directed Sonitpur deputy commissioner to expedite relief and rescue operations, besides setting up relief camps for the affected people ensuring availability of food items, medicines, drinking water and fodder for animals.
