Assam: Dibrugarh on high alert as Brahmaputra crosses danger level

A correspondent

DIBRUGARH: Amid torrential rains, the Brahmaputra River breached its danger level in Dibrugarh on Sunday, raising alarms among residents. Water resources officials reported that the river was flowing at a critical height of 105.85 metres, surpassing the danger threshold of 105.70 metres by 15 centimeters.

As many as 35 villages were affected in Dibrugarh district due to sudden rise of water level. Over 10,000 people were affected in the recent spate of flood.

The ongoing monsoon season has begun with a vengeance, and meteorological predictions indicate that the rains in upper Assam as well as in the upper reaches of Arunachal Pradesh could push the Brahmaputra to potentially record-breaking levels.

The Brahmaputra’s highest level in Dibrugarh measuring 106.48 metres was recorded on September 3, 1998, when Dibrugarh narrowly avoided catastrophic flooding.

“The water level is concerning. We are monitoring the situation closely,” stated an official from the Water Resources Department. District officials urged residents living along the riverbanks to remain vigilant. “We are in the initial stages of the flood season, and the situation could worsen,” an official said.

In light of possible erosion-related damages, which may include breaches or cracks in embankments, the Dibrugarh district administration released emergency contact numbers for public reporting. Residents can reach out via mobile at 9435358371, landlines at 0373-2312940 or 0373-2450100, and a toll-free number, 1077, to report any incidents promptly.

Furthermore, water levels in the Brahmaputra’s main tributary, the Buridehing River, are also on the rise. At Naharkatia, the river was recorded at 118.58 meters, hovering just below the danger level of 120.40 meters. In Khowang, water levels were at 101.43 meters, against a danger level of 102.11 meters.

As the district braces for potential floods, local authorities have urged residents to stay prepared. The monsoon season’s impact on the Brahmaputra is expected to intensify in the coming days. 

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