Flood situation in Assam critical

Guwahati, Sep 3 (ANI): The flood situation in Assam continued to be critical on Wednesday with Brahmaputra river and its tributaries creating havoc in the state, claiming 15 lives and rendering several thousands homeless.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi accompanied by senior officials made an aerial survey of Majuli, Asia's largest river island, which submerged under the flood waters, official sources said on Wednesday.

Gogoi directed the Jorhat district authorities to ensure adequate relief to the people with food scarcity looming large in the island as supply of essentials was hit by the rising water level.

The waist-deep flood waters engulfed 167 villages with a population of 1.5 lakh and was threatening fresh areas in the island, which houses several 'satras' (Vaishnavite monasteries).

The authorities were forced to shift 34 prisoners from Goramur sub-divisional jail to Jorhat central jail following the inundation in Majuli, the sources said.

The situation in lower Assam's Rangiya sub-division too is critical following breaches in four embankments by Puthimari river.

With NH-31, the lifeline of the north east, still under flood water, road communication with the rest of the country is snapped for the fourth day on Wednesday, the sources said.

The army continued to assist the government in providing relief to the affected people across the state, the sources said.

The situation in the Kaziranga National Park, famed for its one-horned rhinos, is also critical with more than 50 percent of the park area under flood waters.

The animals, including rhinos and elephants, are taking shelter on high platforms constructed within the park.

The park authorities have set up barricades along the highway for limiting vehicle speed to 40 kmph for protecting animals from being run over while migrating to the hills of neighbouring Karbi Anglong, the sources said.

Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger level in Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Dhubri, Jorhat, Kamrup districts. In Guwahati, the river has touched the danger level. (ANI)