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Time of India
7 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
As floodwaters recede, Hailakandi villages face drinking water crisis
1 2 Silchar: Even as the floodwaters of the Dhaleshwari and Katakhal rivers recede in Hailakandi, life for thousands in the flood-ravaged villages remains anything but normal. A thick layer of silt and mud, accompanied by a pervasive stench, has rendered life unbearable in many areas, while a severe drinking water crisis has compounded the woes of residents. The floods, triggered by incessant rains and river swelling, had inundated large parts of the district. District administration sources on Monday said 70 villages still remain flooded, affecting 51,663 people. This includes 16,608 men, 17,816 women, and 17,194 children in Hailakandi. While floodwaters have largely receded, they have left behind a thick deposit of silt in homes, roads, schools and public spaces, making movement difficult and posing serious health risks. "The foul smell from the silt is making it hard to stay indoors. We are forced to live amidst filth," said Ramesh Das, a resident of Rupacherra. Access to clean drinking water has emerged as a major concern, with many piped water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission still non-functional. Villagers are depending on limited hand-pumps and contaminated surface water, raising fears of waterborne diseases. "It has been days since we had access to clean drinking water. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Our children are falling sick," said Rukmini Devi of Lalpani. Official sources said the flood has damaged 102 educational institutions and 28 drinking water supply projects under the PHE department. Public health officials have raised alarm over the likelihood of post-flood outbreaks of waterborne and skin diseases due to the stagnant, muddy water and unhygienic conditions. Adding to the misery, fish farmers have suffered massive losses as ponds and fisheries were swept away by the floodwaters.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
11 business establishments gutted in Mariani town fire
Dibrugarh: A total of 11 business establishments were reduced to ashes in a fire that broke at Jorhat's Mariani town early on Tuesday. The blaze, which started around 4.30 am inside a shop, quickly spread to adjacent buildings, including a lodge, before being brought under control nearly five hours later. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to witnesses, thick smoke was seen billowing from a shop, prompting locals to alert the fire services. However, response was hampered as only one fire tender was available at the Mariani Fire Station at the time. The other tender had been deployed as a safety measure at a Municipal Election strong room in the district. "The lone fire tender arrived quickly, but it ran out of water and had to leave for a refill. By the time it returned, the fire had already spread. Without locals' assistance in removing valuable goods and helping manage the scene, the losses would have been significantly greater," said Ramesh Das, a shop owner. Additional fire tenders, including ones from ONGC, arrived later and joined the efforts to douse the flames. After a grueling five-hour battle, the fire was finally extinguished. While no injuries were reported, the damage was extensive, with several shops and a lodge completely gutted. All occupants of the lodge managed to evacuate before the fire reached the building. Before the fire tenders arrived, the locals stepped in, forming human chains to salvage goods from nearby shops before the flames could consume them. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary assessments point to an electrical short circuit, possibly resulting from faulty wiring or damaged electrical connections.
