Despite a marginal fall in its water levels, the Dikhow River in Assam's Sivasagar district remains classified under the 'severe flood' category, signaling a persistent threat to communities along its banks. Authorities have issued a public advisory, urging residents to exercise extreme caution and maintain distance from the dangerously swollen river.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) confirmed on Friday that the Dikhow continues to pose a significant risk. At 9 AM, the river was recorded flowing at 94.26 metres, a substantial 1.86 metres above its established danger level of 92.40 metres. While a slight decrease in water volume has been observed, officials caution that the river's elevated state continues to threaten low-lying areas within and surrounding Sivasagar.
In response to the ongoing danger, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued a comprehensive public safety advisory. The directive explicitly warns citizens to stay away from the river, highlighting the serious risks associated with its high water levels and strong currents, particularly for communities residing along its course.
This localized threat in Sivasagar unfolds against a backdrop of a wider flood crisis engulfing Assam, which has tragically claimed 47 lives across the state. More than 7.2 lakh people have been severely affected by the ongoing deluge, underscoring the formidable challenge faced by disaster management agencies statewide.