Assam: Flood situation worsens in Golaghat as Dhansiri River submerges new areas
Golaghat, August 10
The flood situation in Assam's Golaghat district has worsened, with the overflowing Dhansiri River inundating new areas and entering the courtyards of several houses in the Dusutimukh area of Marangi Mouza.
Around 14,000 families and nearly 52,000 people have been affected by the floods in the Khumtai Assembly constituency. Around 1,300 people have taken shelter in 32 relief camps set up by the district administration. Residents of nearby villages are facing growing concerns as the water continues to enter residential areas.
The flooding has affected several parts of Assam, with areas including Nazira, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Mangaldoi and regions along the Dhansiri River witnessing a rise in water levels.
Residents in several affected villages have been forced to leave their homes and move to relief camps established by the administration. Some families, however, are staying on the upper floors or higher portions of their houses to protect their belongings and livestock, including cows and goats.
Speaking to ANI, MLA Mrinal Saikia said that the flood situation across Assam has remained severe for the past four to five days, with the Dhansiri River overflowing in parts of Khumtai and forcing people from several villages to seek shelter in relief camps.
"More than a thousand people have lost their homes and are staying in relief camps. Some people are still staying in their houses because they have belongings and livestock there. It is very difficult," he said.
Saikai also said that people had been trapped in villages including Kadamguri and Rangdoi, among other affected areas. The flooding has also affected essential infrastructure in some areas, including St. Mary's School.
The continuing rise in water levels has added to the difficulties faced by residents and authorities, with rescue and relief efforts focused on people in inundated areas and those who remain stranded in their villages.
The administration has established relief camps for affected residents, while the flood situation continues to be monitored as water from the Dhansiri River spreads into more areas.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My heart goes out to the families who are staying on upper floors with their livestock. Imagine having to choose between your home and your cows, your goats - for these people, their animals are their livelihood. The administration must ensure that relief reaches everyone, not just those in camps. 😢
Two things need to be addressed urgently: First, why are we not doing anything about climate change that's making these floods worse every year? Second, why is the district administration caught off-guard every single time? The Dhansiri river level should be monitored with sensors and early warning systems should be in place. We're in 2024, not 1994.
It's so sad to see this. I'm from Assam and this is a yearly tragedy for us. But I want to thank the district administration and local volunteers who are working day and night to rescue people. The real heroes are the people in boats who are going into flooded areas to bring out stranded families. Please donate to relief funds if you can. ❤️
The MLA says "it is very difficult" - but what is he actually doing about it? Just making statements to the media? We need action, not sympathy. Also, the flooding affected St. Mary's School - even education is being disrupted. This is a systemic failure that needs a comprehensive solution, not just yearly relief camps.
This is really sad. I have family in Sivasagar and they are telling me that water levels are still rising. The government should prioritise the rescue of people stuck in villages like Kadamguri and
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.