Many areas in Barak Valley inundated

Silchar, Jun 17 (UNI) Flood water due to incessant rain in the past week has inundated many areas in Cachar and Karimganj districts of Barak Valley in Asom.

Official sources today said Barak and its tributaries were rising all along their course. While Barak and another major river Kushiara were still flowing below the danger mark, their tributaries including Longai, Singla, Baleswar, Kakra and some other rivers were flowing above the danger level.

Central Water Commission(CWC) sources here said that the Barak river would cross its danger mark tonight.

Flood water has inundated many villages in Patharkandi and Nilambazar circles of Karimgnaj district as flood control dykes of Longai and Singla rivers have been breached in many places. People have taken shelter in high places.

Official sources said 275 hectares of agricultural land has been affected and about 5,000 people have been rendered homeless due to floods by Longai river in Karimganj.

Karimganj district administration has so far distributed 293 quintals of rice, 55 quintals dal and 16 quintals of salt to the flood affected people as relief measure.

In Cachar district, Katigora circle is worst-effected as hundreds of villages have gone under floodwater of Baleswar and Kakra rivers. Floodwater has devastated Ahu crop in many areas.

Coupled with the flood situation, surface communication in the Barak Valley along with the rest of the country has been disrupted since yesterday due to landslide in Malidahar on NH-44, which connects the region with Guwahati.

BRTF sources said traffic on this route has partially been restored despite boulders and debris continuing to slide down the hills due to incessant rain. BRTF men were busy clearing the road and allowing vehicles to ply in phases.

UNI