FLOOD THREAT

Flood threat in Cooch Behar

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 20: Residents turned panicky following the incessant rain in Cooch Behar since Wednesday night. As downpour at upper catchment areas and on the plains is continuing the water levels of all the major rivers has risen. Several wards in Cooch Behar town turned waterlogged. Normal life was also disrupted. The office goers and school goers had to face difficulties due to heavy shower today. The rain is still continuing.

 

Flood Control office sources said rainfall recorded in Cooch Behar in the last 24 hours till 6 a.m. today was 52.00 mm. The rainfall in Tufanganj was 31.40 mm and in Mathabhanga it was 30.60 mm during the same period. The total rainfall in this season in Cooch Behar is 1422.70 mm, in Tufanganj 1720.00 mm and in Mathabhanga it is 363.00 mm. The rain is still continuing and a forecast was there for heavier downpour in the next 48 hours.

 

Water levels of Torsa at Hasimara, Mansai at Mathabhanga, Raidak-I and Raidak-II at Tufanganj and Kaljani at Alipurduar are showing a rapid rising trend. These are rising rapidly towards the danger mark. Though the water levels of the rivers are still below the danger mark the residents of the villages adjacent to the rivers fear that flood may occur if downpour continues.

 

Owners of country boats were alerted from the district administration to keep their boats repaired and ready because these may be required for rescue operations if flood situation occurs in this district.

 

In Tufanganj, medical teams are kept ready for any eventuality of floods. Adequate number of tarpaulin sheets and other relief materials also kept ready.  All the officials and others concerned were alerted to get prepared to meet the flood situation, if occurs. []

 

PHOTO : Panicked villagers survey rising of water level of Torsa river. In Cooch Behar on Friday.