Flood situation grave in Cooch Behar, one missing

 

COOCH BEHAR, Sept. 6: Water levels of Teesta, Kaljani and Mansai in Cooch Behar district are still flowing above the danger mark. Yellow signal was flashed over these rivers today lifting the Red signal.

 

In the afternoon, the additional district magistrate (development) Mr Pannalal Mahapatra said the water levels of Gadadhar and Kaljani rivers in Tufanganj are showing a rising trend. The situation might turn worse if the downpour continues, he opined.

 

In Mekhliganj sub-division, the Teesta breached about 90-metre of its embankment at Kuchlibari area. Yesterday the damage was about 30-metre only. To stop the river from approaching towards adjoining villages the irrigation division officials worked overnight. Sandbags, boulders and iron wire-nets are being used to stop erosion. About five thousand people of the area are suffering from fear. ADM (D) Mr Mahapatra said the BDO of the area was instructed to open relief camps for the affected people.

 

In Tufanganj, the river erosion is continuing unabated. No improvement of the situation was reported. Rise of water levels of Kaljani and Gadadhar is worsening the situation. Erosion is continuing in Ambari area too in Cooch Behar-II block.

 

On the otherhand, one Subhas Braman (36) was disappeared in the floodwater of Sutunga river in Mathabhanga sub-division today. The poor villager of Nayarhat was reportedly going to work under the 100-day job scheme. While he was swimming to cross the Sutunga river he suddenly went missing at the mid-river at about 11-30 a.m. Locals tried hard to rescue him but failed. Searching operation was going on till the evening but his body was not recovered.

 

Cooch Behar ADM (D) Mr Mahapatra said there were plenty of relief materials in this district to meet the flood situation. At the same time, expressing his concern over the situation he said if downpour continues at the upper catchment areas on Bhutan Hills the situation may turn grave. He admitted that no anti-erosion work is possible at this moment. Commencement of anti-erosion work may be possible only after the monsoon, he opined. []