BADARPUR, June 14 � The flood situation in Karimganj district has remained grim with the Kusiara river and its tributaries in spate following incessant rainfall since the last few days. More than three lakh people have been affected by the deluge so far. Floodwater have also entered Karimganj town, submerging roads, business establishments and houses. Meanwhile, low-lying areas in Badarpur town and railway colonies here have been flooded.
Official sources said that areas under at least 20 gaon panchayats have been inundated and the residents affected. The sources stated that the Kusiara and Langai rivers are still flowing above the danger mark. Apart from this, other rivers like Kakra, Kachua and Singla have also crossed the danger level. Consequently, new areas have been submerged. The Karimganj district administration has already sounded an alert, asking the residents to shift to safer places.
The Brajendra Road, Madan Mohan Road, Banamali Road, Steamer Ghat Road, Lakshmi Charan Road, Lakshmi Bazar Road and several wards under Karimganj Municipal Board have been inundated. Large areas under Patharkandi, Nilambazar and Ramkrishna Nagar circles have also gone under water, affecting an estimated population of 20,000.
The Karimganj district administration has stepped up relief and rescue operations. Official sources pointed out that a total 314 relief camps have been opened at educational institutions and higher places for the flood-affected people. All educational institutions have been closed down for an indefinite period in the district.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj ANB Singh said that a 30-member National Disaster Response Force team has been engaged in the worst-hit areas of the district. Army and paramilitary forces have also been kept on a standby. The Barak river and its tributaries have also been rising, causing concern among the people of the Barak valley.
NF Railway sources said that due to heavy landslides between Damcharra and Bandarkhal along the Lumding-Badarpur hill section, train services were temporarily suspended. Railway engineers and officials are repairing a bridge (No 528) at Bandarkhal which was damaged in the landslip.
The State Government is understood to have instructed the Karimganj, Cachar and Hailakandi administrations to make all necessary arrangements to tackle the flood scene in the Barak valley.
