Rain-induced flood threatens Phulbari area

PHULBARI, July 11: Overnight rains along the Rongai River have threatened to inundate Chibinang and adjoining areas of the West Garo Hills (WGH) district’s Phulbari region.
Local MLA and Power Minister A.T. Mondal, stationed in Phulbari to oversee the situation, said the conditions are similar to those in 2014 when a cloudburst caused large-scale devastation and loss of lives.
The Rongai originates near Rongram and meanders through the Dadenggre Sub-Division before touching Chibinang and flowing into the Brahmaputra after meeting the Jinjiram River.
The water from Rongai overtopped an adjoining road and was flowing into Chibinang and the densely populated villages nearby at the time of reporting. The river was close to overflowing near the Rongai Valley Dam project ahead of Chibinang Bazaar en route to Mronggre.
Near Phulbari, locals said the water level was higher than a week ago when Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited the area. The rising water levels of rivers in the Mankachar area of Assam’s South Salmara district have added to their worries.
“Most villages were under knee-deep water when we paid a visit in the evening. We are in touch with the administration to ensure everything remains under control and those affected are taken care of,” Mondal said.
He added that officials have been asked to assess the damage so far.