Dibrugarh: Unrelenting heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh has caused the Depi and Dikhari rivers to overflow, leading to severe flooding in the Jonai circle of Dhemaji district. The deluge has damaged infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land.
Homes Washed Away by Swift Currents
The Depi river's rapid current swept away seven houses in the Galighat area on Saturday. Anticipating a further rise in water levels, several other households dismantled their homes and moved furniture and valuables to higher ground. Dozens of families have been displaced and are relocating to safer locations.
“We had no time to save anything except our lives. The water came so fast that our house was gone before we could even think,” said Bhawani Pegu, a resident of Galighat.
Key Road Disrupted, Villages Isolated
The Dikhari river breached its banks at multiple points, submerging low-lying areas and a key PWD road that connects more than 10 villages in the Jamuguri area with Jonai town. This disruption has severed the only major motorable link for those villages, isolating residents and hampering relief operations. Residents are using boats and makeshift routes to reach stranded hamlets.
“This road was our only way to reach the hospital, the market, everything. Now we are completely cut off from Jonai town,” said Dharani Payeng, a villager from Jamuguri, highlighting the isolation now facing the community.
Over 20 Villages Inundated
Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 20 villages, including Jamuguri, Ulunoni, and Luitporiya, remain inundated. Large tracts of agricultural land are underwater.
Residents Appeal for Urgent Help
Amid the worsening conditions, residents have appealed to district authorities for urgent intervention. Their demands include immediate relief supplies, compensation for damaged homes and crops, and a rehabilitation plan for displaced families.
