IOP CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi, July 16, 2019: In view of worsening flood situation in the Eastern region, Lieutenant General MM Naravane, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Command, took stock of the situation and assured a quick response by the Army on being requisitioned for deployment on flood relief tasks.
Total of 95 flood relief columns along with additional 31 columns as reserve have been kept on ‘Stand by’ for this purpose. Army is closely monitoring the flood situation in close coordination with civil administration along large number of flood prone areas. There are 152 monitoring stations which will ensure timely warning of an impending crisis due to floods.
Army has alerted flood relief columns to be prepared for deployment on short notice. Mock drills conducted by the nominated army units in the run up to the monsoon will ensure seamless integration of all elements and their synergized application in support of the populace.
The flood situation in Assam remains grim as new areas have been inundated. Several rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are maintaining a rising trend. Surging water has badly affected vehicular movement in the state as floods have submerged several important roads. Over 26 lakh people are reeling under floods in 28 districts. Barpeta, Morigaon and Dhubri are among the worst-hit. Relief camps have been set up in various districts for the displaced people.
Incessant rain across Meghalaya for the last seven days and rising waters of two rivers have flooded the plains of West Garo Hills district. Officials today said, more than one lakh people are affected.
In Bihar, the flood situation continues to be grim in 10 districts. The Central Water Commission said, several rivers including Bagmati, Gandak, Mahananda and Kamla are flowing above the danger mark. This has caused widespread devastation and inundation in Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani and East Champaran district. 32 deaths have, so far, been reported in the flood affected areas and many are feared swept away.