Phulbari MLA and cabinet minister Abu Taher Mondal today warned that heavy rain is an imminent threat of floods in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills, with the situation very grim considering how bad flooding has been in neighbouring Assam.
Early today morning the minister held a meeting with the authorities and was informed that the water level is below the danger mark for now but could well cross the limit given the trend.
“I have directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners and BDOs (Block Development Officers) to take necessary steps and extend a possible help,” Mondal said.
In the last three years the plain belt areas and North East as a whole did not witness heavy rainfall such as this and there were no floods in these areas. However, this year the state has received excess rainfall that is likely to lead to flooding.
The major factor that could lead to flooding in the plain belt is water breaking the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
“When Assam is flooded, the water also flows through the plain belt areas in Garo Hills, which leads to floods,” Mondal explained.
Tikrikilla, Phulbari, Rajabala and Selsella are the main plain belt areas likely to be affected by Brahmaputra overflow.
“Assistance will be required if it crosses the danger mark but I have been informed that it has not crossed the danger mark as yet but it is being monitored. We have alerted the DC and BDO to look into it and extend all possible help,” added Mondal.
