By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 23: As the flood situation in many parts of the State worsens, residents of Guwahati’s Pandu area too are facing a harrowing time due to floods since the past two days.

Till 3 pm today, the Brahmaputra was flowing 52 cm above the danger level in Guwahati and through a small drain, the surging waters of the river had entered the Pandu area and flooded the Loco Colony, BBC Colony, Sankarnagar, Jaymati Nagar, Adabari Colony, Harijan Colony and New Colony. More than 20,000 families have been affected by the flood, with water entering the homes of 613 families.

The Brihattar Pandu Unnayan Samiti is working on a war-footing to provide relief to the flood-affected people. Relief materials have been distributed at the camp set up at the Adabari NP/ME School. Brihattar Pandu Unnayan Samiti president Kamal Dey said, “The Railway authorities are to be blamed for this situation. This drain had been dug by the Railway authorities 4-5 years ago and since there is no sluice gate, the river water enters this area through this drain. This is the worst flood that this area has seen since the past 40 years.”

The district administration jumped into action today and blocked the drain. Four pumps were also brought in today evening to flush out the water.

Dey further said, “Around 15-20 flood-affected children have been hospitalized and 5-6 pregnant mothers have been given medical aid. The NF Railway Employees’ Union has been of a lot of help during the relief works. To prevent the river water from entering the area through this drain it is important to build a sluice gate. We hope the district administration works on this soon.”