SIVASAGAR: Over a thousand people stranded amidst rapidly escalating floodwaters in Assam's Sivasagar district were successfully rescued by local residents who, putting aside concerns for their own homes and belongings, launched an immediate and extensive relief operation. The extraordinary effort unfolded as water levels surged across multiple villages, prompting an urgent community response.
The critical rescue mission was concentrated in the Nepali Khuti area, where floodwaters quickly overwhelmed the locality. Faced with the sudden inundation, residents from four to five neighbouring villages mobilized swiftly, employing boats to reach and evacuate those trapped by the rising deluge. This spontaneous act of bravery underscored the deep-rooted community bonds prevalent in the region.
One of the local rescuers, Sohan Chaudhary, recounted the alarming speed at which the water rose, leaving little time for personal considerations. “The water rose so quickly that we had no moment to think about securing our own homes. Our immediate priority was to reach and save our neighbours who were standing in deep water. We took out boats to help them, not even realizing the extent to which our own houses had been affected,” he stated, highlighting the selfless spirit that drove their actions. He confirmed that over 1,000 individuals were saved from approximately five villages.
Another villager involved in the rescue, Kanhaiya Chaudhary, described how they initially noticed the floodwaters rising while collecting debris. Realizing the impending danger, their first instinct was to ensure the safety of their families and children before joining the broader community effort to rescue others. This collective resilience and swift action proved crucial in averting a larger catastrophe in the flood-affected areas of Sivasagar.