Road links in parts of Assam snapped after bridge collapse

Guwahati, Jul 5 (UNI) Road communication to North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam was snapped this morning after a temporary sub-way on national highway 52, built following the breach of the main road, was washed away due to heavy flood.

A bailey bridge, being built after NH 52 was breached on June 14, is expected to be opened for traffic this evening that would restore road communication, North Lakhimpur deputy commissioner Jayant Narliker informed.

A sub-way was built with boulders and sandbags for traffic movement after the highway was breached in June 14 flash floods near Ganeshmandir on the outskirts of Lakhimpur town.

However, it was washed away by gushing waters today as incessant rain in the district as well as neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh fed the rivers, with four-five major rivers, including Ranganadi river, flowed above the danger mark.

Mr Narliker informed that the construction of the bailey bridge has almost been completed and is likely to be opened later in the evening.

Railway communication between North Lakhimpur and Murkong Selek was snapped since last evening after flood water washed away the boulder base of both sides of a railway bridge between the Dhemaji and Silapathar stations on Rangapara North Murkong Selek section.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have threatened fresh floods in same districts even as North Lakhimpur was still to recover completely from the last month's devastating floods last months.

Eight people had died and thousands affected in recent flood, for which NEEPCO's sudden water release was alleged to be the main reason for flood.

The power giant is reported to have released water again this morning after its reservoir in the plants on Ranganadi river had crossed the danger mark.

UNI SG PC LPB RK1852