By Preetam BC

Chirang: The incessant and continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of neighbouring Bhutan and in Assam last night have inundated several villages in Lower Assam Chirang district with major rivers in lower Assam in spate.

Report from the district administration in Chirang said a total 8 villages in three revenue circles of Bengtol, Sidli and Bijni in the district were affected by the raising water level of Aie River affecting over 1900 population in the area.

Three villages – Dababil, Khoirabari, Madarpur, under Bengtal RC, 4 villages- Deborbil, Nepalpara, No.2 Odalguri, No.2 Sanyashibari under Sidli RC and one village Chourabari under Bijni Revenue Circle were hit by the deluge forcing the villagers to take shelter in higher ground. However, no casualties have been reported till evening

According to information, heavy rain in the Bhutan have also caused extensive damaged in Gelephu area in Bhutan. Sources said the Gelephu – Sarpang Highway Bridge, located near the airport, has been damaged by continuous downpour. Hundred of vehicles stranded from both sides today.

Increasing water levels of the rivers such as Aie, Champamoti, Khana Makra etc in Chirang and Saralbanga, Swrmanga, Gongia, Longa, Gaurang in Kokrajhar is attributed to heavy rainfall in Bhutan from where they originate.

Heavy rain in the foothills of the Himalayan kingdom always sparked fears of fresh flooding in lower Assam districts of Chirang, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Baksa, Nalbari, Udalguri and Bongaigaon every year.