GUWAHATI, Sept 24 � After being kept indoors for the last two days, residents of many localities in the city gained some respite today after the flood-waters receded from many areas here and the sun emerged from behind the clouds this afternoon.
However, certain localities under the Dispur Revenue Circle continue to remain under water.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune this evening, Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu said that the situation has �improved manifold� since yesterday, although localities like Dhirenpara, Barsapara, Betkuchi and some others continue to face the problem of waterlogging.
�Rainwater from Meghalaya should flow towards Mora Bharalu and Deepor Beel via the Basistha and Bahini rivulets. However, as the discharge has been quite heavy, there is a small backflow and this has resulted in some areas still being affected,� he pointed out.
Dr Angamuthu said that Army, NDRF and SDRF personnel have been shifted to these areas to intensify relief efforts. �If there is no rainfall tonight, we are optimistic that by tomorrow, localities like Dhirenpara and Betkuchi will be free from floodwaters,� he said.
Angamuthu said the rainfall this time has been much more than was the case during the deluge in late June. �An amount of 182 mm of rainfall is very huge, much more than the 65 mm recorded on June 26. Besides, it rained continuously for three days this time,� he said.
The DC said post-flood measures like cleaning of drains, spraying of bleaching powder and so on would start from tomorrow.
He also assured that the district administration would not only continue with its drive to evict illegal constructions but also intensify the drive.
The administration has opened camps at the Bhangagarh Hindi LP School, Dakhingaon Refugee Colony LP School, Kahilipara Latuma LP School and Sundarban Nagar Jatiya Vidyalaya.
As per an official release, over 15,000 people were affected by the floods in Guwahati and around 1,200 are taking shelter in camps where provisions have been made for drinking water, food and medicines.
Chlorine tablets are being distributed at many localities. Relief teams from the administration visited various localities across the city today and distributed food, drinking water and other essential items.
Three boats from the Indian Air Force, four from the NDRF and four local boats have been pressed into service for relief and rescue operations.
The authorities also said that in Sonapur Circle, over 10,000 people in 12 villages were affected by the floods.
