The “back flow” of the rising Brahmaputra in neighbouring Assam is resulting in the swelling of the Jingiram river which has inundated about 100 villages out of which 34 have been totally submerged in West Garo Hills affecting 75000.
SHILLONG: The “back flow” of the rising Brahmaputra in neighbouring Assam is resulting in the swelling of the Jingiram river which has inundated about 100 villages out of which 34 have been totally submerged in West Garo Hills. Altogether 75,000 people have been affected.
“I have been receiving regular inputs about the rising water level at Phulbari , Hallidayganj and Rajabala areas in Dadenggre civil sub division besides Chibinang and Tikrikilla,” said West Garo Hills DC Pravin Bakshi, who is touring the affected areas.
He added that pre-emptive steps have already been taken and a civil defence team has been dispatched to the affected places. Large tracts of cultivated land and villages in the low-lying plain belt areas have been totally or partially submerged.
“Five relief camps are already functional and about 10 more would be set up immediately to accommodate the flood-hit. The PHE department has been asked to immediately construct shallow tube wells to ensure drinking water supply and make provisions of safe pit latrines,” said the DC.
“Officials were also instructed to make provisions for supply of bleaching powder to tackle the possibility of outbreak of epidemics and water-borne diseases when the water level subsides,” Bakshi added. He further added that medical teams have been formed and instructions issued for stocking general medicines for water-borne diseases, viral fever and other seasonal ailments.
“Sanitation and privacy of female victims have been identified as the areas of immediate concern and it was decided that tarpaulins and basin utensils will be supplied to the affected families,” he said. Boats have been requisitioned for ferrying people from the marooned villages and to evacuate with their belongings. Besides, directions have been given to PWD to take all possible steps to prevent further breach of the Solartek-Majhipara embankment.
“As per reports and analysis, the water level has not risen any further and may slowly recede if no rains take place,” said the DC.
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