Flood hits several parts of upper Assam

Guwahati, Jun 14 (UNI) Several places in upper Assam were inundated today following heavy rainfall in most parts of the state, including capital city Guwahati, which reeled under artificial flood in the forenoon.

Hundreds of villages across upper Assam, especially in North Lakhimpur district, were reported to have been submerged.

Surging river water had breached several minor embankments across the state, with rising waters threatening to spill over the Matmora embankment in North Lakhimpur that could result in massive devastation.

The state government's alleged failure to protect the important embankment had been severely criticised, with state Water Resources Development Minister Bharat Narah pleading that local people resisted any move to repair the embankment.

Mr Narah, under whose constituency the Matmora embankment falls, said the villagers, who must be relocated for repairing and construction of the embankment, refused to leave the place.

Meanwhile, heavy downpour in the morning hours led to water-logging in the capital city.

All important roads were submerged creating problems for commuters who were left stranded during the morning rush hours.

Though the water has subsided in the main roads, the smaller lanes continued to be under water.

UNI SG DPM SP RAI1608