Brahmaputra crosses danger mark in Guwahati as monsoon surge continues
River levels are expected to peak within 48 hours as the district administration opens 14 relief camps across the city's low-lying wards.
The Brahmaputra crossed the danger mark at Guwahati early this morning, driven by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment and release from dams in Arunachal Pradesh. The water level at the city gauge stood at 49.6 metres at 6 am — 0.3 metres above the threshold.
District authorities have opened 14 relief camps in low-lying wards including Uzan Bazar, Panbazar and the sandbar settlements of the river islands. Around 4,000 residents have been moved so far, with boats pressed into service for the smaller islets downstream.
Meteorologists expect the crest to pass within 48 hours, but warn that fresh slides in the hills could cut road access to the city’s southern fringe. Officials say embankment teams are on 24-hour patrol.
We have moved every family off the sandbars before dark. The next 48 hours are critical.