Floods batter Assam, Arunachal; two dead

New Delhi, July 23

Flood situation in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh worsened today with death of two persons and fresh areas getting submerged.

Floods in Assam claimed two lives affecting over five lakh people in 14 districts, besides inundating Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora wildlife sanctuary and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

One person died in North Lakhimpur town of Lakhimpur district and another at Mayong in Morigaon district.

The swollen Brahmaputra and its tributaries have submerged 1039 villages in 14 districts with many neck-deep in water and several houses completely submerged, officials said.

Seventy relief camps and seven relief distribution centres have been opened to shelter 21549 flood-hit people. In Arunachal Pradesh, the flood situation remained grim with fresh areas getting submerged as Chief Minister Pema Khandu directed legislators from Tezu, Namsai and Jairampur to monitor the relief measures.

The rising Noa-Dehing river has submerged entire Lekang circle under Namsai district and affected Piyong circle, Namsai Township and adjoining villages.

Rapidly increasing water level in Jengthu river has affected Mukron, Chessing Nongtaw, Jenglai and Wagon-IV villages. — PTI