After days of flood devastation, Assam's Sivasagar faces new threat as Disang embankment weakens

A fresh erosion threat has emerged in Assam's flood-ravaged Sivasagar district after a critical stretch of the Betbari Barpatra Disang embankment came under severe pressure from the swollen river, prompting emergency protection measures by the authorities.

The erosion has been reported at the vulnerable Disang embankment, which serves as a crucial flood protection barrier for Sivasagar town and several adjoining areas. The development comes even as residents of Betbari continue to grapple with the aftermath of over 13 days of flooding that has caused widespread devastation across the region.

According to officials and local residents, the river has eroded the embankment up to the level of the paver blocks laid along its surface, raising concerns over the possibility of a breach if the erosion continues. The situation has triggered panic among residents, with fears that any failure of the embankment could expose nearby habitations to fresh inundation.

In response, the Water Resources Department has initiated emergency erosion control and protection work on a war footing. Local residents have joined the effort, assisting officials in reinforcing the vulnerable stretch in an attempt to prevent further damage.

Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with a large contingent of police personnel deployed on both sides of the embankment to regulate movement, maintain law and order, and facilitate the ongoing protection work.

The situation remains under close monitoring as authorities race against time to stabilise the embankment and avert any further escalation of the flood crisis in the district.