Nearly 60,000 people hit by flood in Hailakandi district

A Correspondent

Hailakandi, June 14: The flood situation by and large remained unchanged in Hailakandi district with Katakhal and Barak rivers flowing above danger level. However, Dholeswari river showed a slightly declining trend. According to a release issued by the District Disaster Management Authority, the first wave of flood has affected 58,208 people and a cropland of 740 hectare. Around 51 relief camps have been set up by the district administration housing 23,689 inmates.

The district administration has stepped up relief operations in 102 villages under Katlicherra, Hailakandi and Lala revenue circles. At the directive of Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan, officials of the district administration and heads of departments concerned have been camping in the affected areas for the past two days and supervising the relief and rehabilitation operations. Khan said the administration would extend all possible help to the affected families.

SDRF and NDRF have been deployed in the affected areas. Altogether eight boats are being pressed into service for rescue and relief operations. Eleven roads have been submerged with several culverts washed away across the district. Gratuity relief items like rice, dal and salt have been distributed to the flood-hit people. There are no reports of any casualty in the district.

Meanwhile, the Met department warned of heavy monsoon showers in southern Assam and in Tripura over the next 48 hours. Six districts of Assam - Hailakandi, Karimganj, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong East, Karbi Anglong West and Biswanath have been hit by the first wave of floods affecting 1.5 lakh people.