SITUATION IN CYCLONE HIT AREAS OF DHUBRI IN ASSAM IS RETURNING TO NORMAL

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The situation in the cyclonic storm hit areas of Dhubri District of Assam is gradually returning to normal. The State Government and the Centre have taken all possible steps like providing relief and shelter to the cyclone hit people there. The BSF personnel who have a post in the area have also rushed to the affected villages and undertaken rescue and evacuation operations and also provided first aid to injured persons. They also set up free food camps for the villagers and erected shelters to most of the affected families. The Dy. Commissioner, Dhubri has been camping in the area and the Divisional Commissioner has also proceeded to the area. The seriously injured persons have been shifted to hospitals at Dhubri and Goalpara. The Central Relief Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs has been in constant touch with the State Government and has advised them to provide all possible relief out of the calamity relief fund.

This Kalapani area of Mankachar Revenue circle of Hatsinghimari sub-division in Dhubri District was hit by the severe cyclone on the evening of April 22, 2003 in which eight villagers came under its fury. The thunderstorm uprooted trees and destroyed shanty dwellings disrupting the normal life. 32 people are reported to have lost their lives and about 100 people are seriously injured. About 500 houses were badly damaged. Many people are also reported missing after the cyclone. The Indian Metrological Department had issued a general local warning about the impending thunder squall in this north-eastern region.