Samin Mondal : Tragedy Strikes Assam: 4-Year-Old Dead, 2 Missing in Brahmaputra Boat Capsizing

The boat sank while travelling from Sishumara to Nepurer Alga (Representational)

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Guwahati:

A tragic incident unfolded in South Salmara-Mankachar district of Assam as a four-year-old child lost their life and two individuals remain missing after a boat capsized in the mighty Brahmaputra River. Amid heavy rain and hailstorm that battered the region, a sense of urgency and concern gripped the local authorities.

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assess the situation and extend all possible assistance to expedite search and rescue operations. The sudden storm, accompanied by hail and a downpour, wreaked havoc in various parts of Assam, causing widespread destruction.

According to Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, CEO of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the ill-fated boat sank on its journey from Sishumara ghat to Nepurer Alga ghat at 5 pm on Sunday. Locals managed to recover the body of the young victim, Samin Mondal (4), while Kobat Ali Mondal (56) and Ismail Ali (8) remain unaccounted for.

Swift Response and Assistance

Efforts are underway as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams collaborate to locate the missing individuals. Drones are being deployed for surveillance during the operation to enhance search capabilities in the challenging terrain.

Tripathi mentioned that although there were 15 passengers on board the ill-fated boat, the prompt action of locals from nearby ‘Char’ areas helped rescue the survivors who managed to swim to safety.

Extent of Damage and Relief Operations

As the storm ravaged through Assam, causing widespread destruction of properties, the state witnessed numerous incidents of lightning strikes. However, no casualties have been reported so far, although assessments are still underway to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

Several houses, schools, and shops bore the brunt of the inclement weather, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Rescue operations were conducted to clear roads and assist stranded individuals, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Weather Forecast and Preparedness

The India Meteorological Department issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days. With a cyclonic circulation hovering over Assam, the region is bracing for more rain and gusty winds.

Authorities at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport had to divert flights due to the adverse weather conditions, highlighting the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters.

As the rescue efforts continue and the community bands together in solidarity, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all those affected by the tragic incident in Assam’s Brahmaputra River.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)