Heavy rain causes flood in Diglipur Island of North Andaman

Flood Returns to haunt remote Islanders

D J Venkatesh

Diglipur, June 29: For the second time in a month the Diglipur Island today witnessed flooding due to heavy rain, since yesterday night. According to reports four villages of Diglipur Island suffered the maximum burnt of flooding since early this morning, forcing hundreds of people to leave their house and take shelters in hilly places.

“Four villages viz. Bidya Sagar Palli, R K Gram, Desh Bandhu Gram and Subahsh Gram were hit by heavy rainfall. I have already directed the Assistant Commissioner to set up relief camps in those villages and provide food to the victims,” Mr. N K Sharma, the Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) of N & M Andaman told ‘Andaman Sheekha’ today.

According to Mr. Sharma heavy rain together with high tide in sea resulted in flood like situation in Diglipur region. “Now the water level has receded. Thank God, since 9.00 am raining has stopped but even if it rains again, we are fully prepared. The situation is under control,” Mr. Sharma added.

Earlier, On June 17 similar flooding was reported in North and Middle Andaman Islands of A & N Chain.

“As it was raining since yesterday night, early this morning we witnessed flood in our village. Many people saved others by using their own dinghies. Nearly 100 vehicles, two wheelers and four wheelers were completely under water. Water flooded more than 200 houses in this area,” said a villager of Diglipur.

It was reported that many villagers lost their cattle and livestock in today flood.

Villagers confirm that Police team of Diglipur rescued several families from ‘Magar Nallah’ area of Diglipur and brought them to safe places. However, till now no report of any casualty of injury has been reported from Diglipur Island.

Later in the evening the Deputy Commissioner of N & M Andaman, Mr. N K Sharma told Andaman Sheekha that people in relief camps of RK Gram and Subhash Gram returned home by afternoon but nearly 25 families are still in relief camps of each Desh Bandhu Gram and BS Palli.

“No doubt clouds are still there but water has receded. We are providing food for people living in relief camps. I have passed orders to conduct detailed survey to assess damages suffered by the villagers due to the flood, the report will be submitted to me within two days,” Mr. Sharma added.