Guwahati: Fresh flooding triggered by the swollen Jiadhal River wreaked havoc in Assam’s Dhemaji district on Saturday morning, washing away a house and forcing the rescue of two family members as floodwaters rapidly inundated several low-lying areas.
The latest spell of flooding came after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh caused the Jiadhal River to swell, sending a fresh surge of water into downstream villages in Dhemaji.
Kamalpur-Dharmapur village was among the worst-hit areas. According to local residents, a channel of the Jiadhal River breached its course early on Saturday, allowing floodwaters to rush into the village.
Strong floodwaters swept away the house of elderly resident Anima Hazarika, leaving the family homeless.
Villagers quickly came to the family’s aid and safely rescued Hazarika and her ailing daughter before the rising waters could endanger their lives.
Witnesses said the emotional impact of the disaster was heartbreaking, with Hazarika’s daughter, who has been battling illness, breaking down as she watched their home disappear into the floodwaters.
The fresh flooding has renewed concerns over the recurring threat posed by the Jiadhal River, which frequently overflows during periods of intense rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh. Residents of vulnerable riverbank villages continue to face the risk of sudden flash floods during the monsoon, with even brief spells of heavy upstream rain capable of causing widespread damage downstream.