Dibrugarh: Sivasagar district administration has issued a fresh alert following a significant rise in the water level of Dikhow river, urging residents — particularly those living in low-lying and vulnerable areas — to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Sivasagar, said it was maintaining continuous surveillance of the river after a sharp rise was recorded at the Bihubar and Sivasagar gauge stations. The latest update was issued at 8 pm on Sept 5 amid the possibility of further rainfall in adjoining areas.The warning comes as Sivasagar was among the worst-affected districts during the recent floods in Upper Assam, along with neighbouring Charaideo and Jorhat. With several vulnerable areas still recovering from the floods, any renewed rise in river levels has heightened concerns among residents and authorities.At the Bihubar gauge station, Dikhow rose from 95.90 metres at 1 am to 98.50 metres by 8 pm on Sept 5 — an increase of approximately 2.6 metres in 19 hours.At the Sivasagar gauge station, the water level rose from 90.71 metres at 1 am to 92.32 metres at 8 pm, registering an increase of about 1.61 metres over the same period.The administration said the rapid rise recorded at Bihubar warranted heightened vigilance along vulnerable stretches of Dikhow. All concerned line departments have been asked to remain prepared to respond to any emerging situation, particularly in low-lying areas.“Given the rapid rise in the Dikhow water level and the prevailing weather conditions, we are maintaining continuous monitoring and keeping all necessary preparedness measures in place,” a district administration official said.The administration has also linked its preparedness to the regional weather outlook. According to the five-day forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre of India Meteorological Department on Sept 4, a yellow warning was issued for parts of Nagaland. Rainfall in the neighbouring region could potentially affect bordering Assam districts, particularly Sivasagar and Charaideo, over the next two to three days.“People should remain alert but there is no need to panic. Citizens must rely only on official advisories and avoid taking risks near rivers, embankments, streams and flooded roads,” the advisory stated.Residents of vulnerable areas have been advised to remain prepared for any evacuation order. The administration has also warned people against attempting to cross flooded roads, culverts, streams or waterlogged areas on foot or by vehicle.Farmers and communities living close to Dikhow have been urged to monitor changing water levels and weather conditions closely.The District Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted at 8471864355 or 03772-222397 in case of emergencies.The administration has appealed to residents to “stay alert, stay informed and follow official instructions” as the district continues to monitor the situation.
