Flood alert in Assam districts
Authorities in districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh were on Saturday directed to "remain alert" for possible flash flood. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal issued the alert after China had informed India about a landslide blocking a river in Tibet leading to the formation of an artificial lake.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, Sonowal directed the authorities in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakgimpur and Tinsukia districts to remain alert and to take all possible measures for the prevention of any major catastrophe.
The impact on Assam would be minimal as the Brahmaputra has low water levels, the Central Water Commission (CWC) said. The river however, might cross high flood level at Pasighat, if the blockade breaches leading to temporary rise in water levels in Dhemaji district, it added.
"People in the riverine areas have been advised not to venture into the Brahmaputra for fishing, swimming, collecting driftwood, etc," Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati said.
"We are closely monitoring the water levels and the situation is normal though the district administration is prepared to face any eventuality and there is no need to panic," she added.
Six teams of NDRF reached Dibrugarh from Kolkata late Friday night by a special aircraft, with four teams sent to Dhemaji and one each to Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
The district administration of Sonitpur and Tinsukia have also issued a high alert with NDRF, SDRF and River Police all prepared in case of any eventuality.
The authorities have urged people "not to panic but remain alert" in case the water level rises.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to the chief minister on Friday and urged him to take all possible measures in the wake of the situation.
The Yarlung Tsangpo river is known as the Siang after it enters India at Arunachal Pradesh from the Tibetan region and is called the Brahmaputra once it reaches Assam.
