Assam: Schools in Dima Hasao District Closed in Landslide-Prone Areas

Schools in the landslide-prone areas of Assam’s Dima Hasao district have been closed for five days from Tuesday (June 13) following the forecast of heavy rainfall by the India Meteorological Department.

An order issued by the Inspector of Schools said all educational institutions in vulnerable areas under Greater Haflong, Harangajao, Mahur and other landslide-prone areas would remain closed for the stipulated number of days.

Dima Hasao was one of the worst affected districts due to floods and landslides in 2022 with an arterial railway line connecting southern Assam and three other northeastern States to the rest of the country having been cut off for more than two months.

Of the 197 people who lost their lives in 2022, at least 18 died in landslides across the State.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), rainfall in various parts of the State have bloated the rivers although none are flowing above the danger level.

“So far, 575 people have been affected by Biswanath, Cachar, and Udalguri districts. District officials have been alerted to be ready for any emergency situation,” a spokesperson of the authority said on June 13.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light or moderate showers at most places, with heavy to very heavy rains (115.5 mm-224.5 mm) at isolated locations across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from Tuesday to Saturday (June 13-17).

Furthermore, isolated extremely heavy downpours (more than 224.5 mm) are likely to impact Assam and Meghalaya between Wednesday and Saturday (June 14-17).

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