Red alert sounded for possible flood in Asom

Guwahati, Aug 21 (UNI) Udalguri, Darrang and some other parts of Lower Asom might be engulfed by flash floods ' any moment' if the 'Jampani bandh' of Bhutan is washed away by the pressure of rain fed rivers bordering China and Bhutan.

The Udalguri District authorities were informed of this impending danger by the Bhutan counterpart yesterday.

Udalguri District Deputy Commissioner, George Basumatari told UNI today that he has alerted the nearby villagers to be prepared for any eventualities. He has also alerted army, paramilitary and state police forces to be ready to help the civil authorities in case of any unfortunate event.

Mr Basumatari had visited the area yesterday after receiving information from his Bhutan counterpart and held a series of meetings with high district officials to overcome the situation if such a natural calamity arises.

He also spoke with the Bhutan officials on the issue, who, in turn, have alerted the Royal Bhutan army and other departments concerned to come to the rescue of the people if need be.

Mr Basumatari said, '' The situation is normal till now and there is no reason to panic.'' He informed that a ''huge tsunami-like situation'' has risen at Jamori, some 40 km deep inside Bhutan area bordering China, due to continuous rains for the past few days. The surging waters of all rain fed rivers of China and Bhutan are coming down towards Asom and is blocked at ''Jampani bandh'' at present.

There was fear that the Bandh might give away due to continuous pressure and in that case Bharab Kund area of Udalguri district will be affected, he said.

Mr Basumatari is planning a meeting with his Bhutan counterpart in the first week of September to chalk out some effective measures to overcome the situation, he said.

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