GUWAHATI, Sept 22 � Gushing waters flowing down from the Garo Hills in Meghalaya created havoc in Goalpara district and Hatsingimari subdivision of Dhubri district today, affecting a large number of people. However, the exact extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.
Official sources told The Assam Tribune that the National Highway 37 was submerged at several places, cutting off Goalpara town from Guwahati. At some places, the water level on the highway was more than three feet high and the damage to the highway would be ascertained only after the water level comes down.
Sources said that following heavy rains in Garo Hills, the strong current of water washed away a number of houses, leaving very little time for the people to move to safer places. So far, reports of deaths of two persons in Krishnai area in Goalpara district could be ascertained.
Sources revealed that the current of water was so strong that even the vehicles kept in the compound of the Krishnai Police Station were washed away and several of those, including some seized vehicles, are yet to be located. In fact, several police stations in the district including Krishnai, Dudhnoi, Dhupdhora as well as a number of outposts are totally submerged, making it difficult for the police to gather information about the extent of the damage and losses. Interestingly, a Central Reserve Police Force company had to be rescued as its headquarter premises were submerged.
The people of the affected areas have taken shelter on the higher portions of the National Highway.
Meanwhile, similar was the situation in Kalapani and Thakurbari areas of Hatsingimari subdivision in Dhubri district as the strong current of water flowing down from the Garo Hills gave very little time to the administration and the people to prepare for the calamity. Personnel of the NDRF, BSF and police have been pressed into service for rescue works. But shortage of boats is turning out to be a major problem. However, on the positive side, the water level is now receding, sources said. A complete picture of the damage is not yet available.
