Quick rescue saves 20 schoolchildren after boat capsizes in Assam's Dhubri

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Dhubri district after a country boat carrying 15 to 20 schoolchildren capsized in floodwaters near Mela Ghat, with local residents rescuing all those on board.

 

The boat, which was ferrying schoolchildren along with a few other passengers from the Mela Ghat area towards Dhubri town, overturned just as it was approaching the riverbank. The sudden mishap triggered panic among people gathered at the ghat.

 

Responding immediately to cries for help, local youths and residents jumped into the water and launched a rescue operation. They managed to pull every child and co-passenger to safety before the situation turned fatal.

 

No deaths or serious injuries were reported, although the children were left traumatised by the incident.

 

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by students in flood-hit parts of Dhubri, where rising water levels have disrupted road connectivity.

 

With several areas around Mela Ghat submerged, residents have been relying on country boats for daily travel, including commuting to schools, raising concerns over the safety of such transport during the monsoon.