North Lakhimpur: Overnight heavy rainfall in the adjoining hills of Arunachal Pradesh triggered a flash flood in the Singra River, breaching its right-bank embankment and inundating a large area under the newly demarcated Ranganadi Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in Lakhimpur district on Thursday.
According to reports, the swollen Singra River breached a section of its right-side embankment at Phoolbari Basti early in the morning, sending floodwaters into several villages, including Bharaluwa Kachari and Doolahat under the Nowboicha Revenue Circle.
The force of the flood caused the river to shift from its original course and carve a new channel through the affected villages. Overflowing water swept across the main village road, submerging agricultural fields, schools and residential areas.
Several families were left stranded as rising floodwaters surrounded their homes, disrupting normal life and cutting off communication in parts of the affected area.
Local residents expressed concern over the rapid rise in water levels and the extensive damage caused by the sudden change in the river’s course.
The Singra River has long been known for its unpredictable behaviour during the monsoon. In 2020, the river caused widespread damage in the Doolahat area after breaching its embankment near National Highway-15, leading to extensive flooding and erosion.
The latest breach has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of the embankment system and the recurring flood risks faced by people living along the Singra River.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, while the extent of damage to infrastructure and crops is yet to be officially assessed.