The Golaghat district administration has issued a comprehensive flood advisory for residents of Sarupathar Sub-Division and adjoining areas following continuous rainfall that has caused water levels in rivers and streams to rise. Authorities have urged people, particularly those living in low-lying and riverbank areas, to remain vigilant, follow official instructions and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
The advisory, issued on July 22 by the offices of the Sarupathar Circle Officer and the Sub-Divisional Commissioner, warned of possible flooding in vulnerable areas under the Sarupathar Revenue Circle. Residents have been advised to avoid entering floodwaters and stay away from rivers, streams, canals and waterlogged locations.
As part of the safety measures, the administration has prohibited bathing, washing clothes, fishing and swimming in floodwaters. Parents have been asked to ensure that children do not go near rivers, streams, drains or other water bodies. People have also been advised against travelling through flooded areas on foot or by vehicle, especially at night.
The administration further cautioned residents to stay away from electric poles, transformers and loose electrical wires, and not to use electrical appliances that may have come into contact with floodwater without proper inspection. It also warned that snakes may enter residential areas during floods and advised people to remain alert. Residents have also been instructed not to consume food items found floating in floodwaters.
For rescue and emergency assistance, the Sarupathar emergency helpline has been activated at 03774-246405.
In a separate advisory, the district administration issued a downstream alert after receiving information from the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) regarding rising water levels at the Doyang Hydro Electric Project reservoir in Nagaland’s Wokha district.
According to NEEPCO, continuous rainfall in the reservoir’s catchment area has raised the water level to EL. 319.50 metres, with inflows expected to push it towards the Full Reservoir Level of EL. 324.00 metres. The corporation said it would begin opening the reservoir’s radial gates once the water level reaches EL. 321.00 metres to facilitate the controlled release of excess water downstream.
In view of the planned discharge, residents living along the Doyang and Dhansiri rivers have been advised to avoid bathing, swimming, fishing or engaging in any activity near the rivers during the gate operation period. The advisory has been circulated to the Deputy Commissioners of Wokha in Nagaland and Golaghat in Assam, along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner, for wider dissemination among downstream communities.
The Golaghat district administration has also urged residents to keep emergency supplies, including medicines, drinking water, dry food, torches, power banks, important documents and cash, packed safely in waterproof containers. Families have been advised to move livestock and valuables to higher ground where necessary and shift to designated relief camps whenever instructed by authorities.
Officials have appealed to the public to rely only on verified information issued through official communication channels and avoid spreading rumours. Households have also been advised to switch off electricity and LPG connections if floodwaters enter their homes, consume only clean or boiled drinking water, maintain hygiene by using bleaching powder where required, keep Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) available to prevent water-borne diseases, avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas and keep mobile phones fully charged for emergency communication.
For emergencies, residents have been asked to contact the District Emergency Operation Centre through helpline 1077 or 9394985421.
