Flood Update: Threat Looms Over North Katigorah In Cachar; Siddheshwar Ferry Service Closed; Barak Crosses Danger Level

Flood-like conditions are worsening across Barak Valley, with North Katigorah in Cachar district among the worst-hit areas. The Barak River crossed the Danger Level at multiple measuring stations on Sunday, prompting the suspension of ferry services and raising fears of severe inundation.

At Annapurna Ghat, the Barak breached the 19.83-metre Danger Level mark at 9 AM on Sunday. The situation is more critical at Badarpur Ghat, where the river was recorded at 17.48 metres, 63 centimetres above the Danger Level, at 10 AM.

As a result, the Siddheshwarghat ferry service, introduced as an emergency alternative following the closure of the Gammon Bridge on NH-6, was suspended from 4 PM on Saturday. Road connectivity between Katigorah and Badarpur has been completely cut off, forcing residents to rely on the railway bridge. Authorities say ferry operations will resume only after water levels recede.

In North Katigorah, floodwaters from the Harang River have submerged several areas, breaching embankments and entering homes. Portions of the Silchar–Jaintia Road have been inundated, particularly in the Garerbhitor area of Dholcherra. A local resident blamed the worsening situation on faulty planning under the Asom Mala project.

“The embankments should have been strengthened before the monsoons. We warned the authorities earlier, but no action was taken,” said the resident.

Panic has spread in villages like Garerbhitor, where a government school and several houses are already under water. Localities like Sewti and Sonapur are also gradually getting submerged.

Meanwhile, Silchar town is battling waterlogging with areas such as Public School Road, Bilpar, Mandirdighi Par, Rangirkhari, Link Road, Das Colony, Chencoorie, and Malinibeel already inundated.

With rainfall continuing across the hills and plains, rivers including Harang, Jatinga, Katakhal, Kushiyara, Barak, and Sonai are swelling, raising alarms for further breaches.