Rains lash four villages in Selsella

TURA, June 6: Heavy rains for the past two days in many parts of West Garo Hills (WGH) have raised the fear of floods, mostly in the low-lying areas that fall under Selsella C&RD Block.
The WGH administration, on Monday, informed that at least 267 persons belonging to 67 households (HH) were affected due to flooding as well as landslides. While Balachanda (6 HH and 27 people) and Chokchokia (5 HH and 31 people) were affected by landslides, Haldibari (35 HH with 144 people) and Sankarpara (21 HH and 90 people) were affected by rising waters.
The areas that are currently affected are the extremely low lying and are generally the first to be hit with elevated water levels due to water from the hills moving downward.
Keeping everyone prepared, the district administration has asked all line departments to remain on alert to the current situation as water has currently submerged large tracts of paddy fields as well as entered some low lying villages.
“Our teams are on the ground for assessment and relief centres are being identified. We request all to stay away from rivers and streams,” informed Deputy Commissioner of WGH, Swapnil Tembe.
The statement of the DC comes following a field visit of the affected areas along with officials of other line departments.
An assessment of the damage caused due to the submergence of the areas in question is currently being undertaken.
Meanwhile other areas of the plain belt, including Phulbari, Rajabala and Chibinang areas, despite a rise in water levels, are said to be normal at this time though the same is also being monitored.