Dhemaji (Assam), 29 June (HS): Rising floodwaters triggered by incessant rainfall and a sudden surge in the Dikari River have severely affected normal life in Jonai under Assam's Dhemaji district. Several low-lying areas have been inundated, while more than 15 people, along with nearly 100 cattle, remain stranded on a river island.

According to local sources, overflowing waters entered residential localities, submerging roads and agricultural fields and cutting off connectivity to several villages. The situation turned critical at Koraibari Char in Telam, where floodwaters rapidly surrounded the river island on Sunday morning, leaving residents trapped with no safe route to higher ground.

The stranded families have been unable to move due to the strong current and continuously rising water level. Around 100 cattle are also marooned on the island, raising fears of heavy livestock losses if rescue operations are delayed.

Flood conditions have also worsened across other parts of Jonai, with houses, roads and farmlands remaining under water. Fearing further deterioration, several families have shifted to safer locations.

After being informed of the emergency, the Jonai administration initiated steps to deploy a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rescue operations. However, till the filing of this report, the stranded residents were still awaiting evacuation as authorities continued to monitor the situation. The district administration has advised people living in low-lying and vulnerable areas to remain alert as the flood situation continues to be critical. ---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash