Guwahati: Even as several parts of Upper Assam continue to struggle with the devastating impact of floods, a new flood threat has emerged in Lower Assam following the release of a large volume of water from Bhutan’s Kurichhu Hydropower Project.

The Bongaigaon district administration has issued an emergency advisory after receiving information about the water release from Bhutan. Authorities have warned that the combination of increased river flow and predictions of further rainfall could worsen the flood situation in vulnerable areas.

Following the sudden discharge, water levels in the Manas and Aie rivers have started rising rapidly and have crossed the danger level, creating concerns among residents living near the riverbanks and low-lying areas.

The District Administration and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Bongaigaon, have appealed to people to remain alert and strictly follow all safety instructions issued by the authorities.

Residents have been advised to avoid visiting the banks of the Manas and Aie rivers until further notice. The administration has temporarily restricted all activities near the rivers, including fishing, swimming, bathing and boating, as a precautionary measure.

Officials have also warned people against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges and waterlogged areas, as water levels can increase suddenly due to continuous rainfall and upstream releases.

Parents have been requested to ensure that children stay away from riverbanks and flood-affected locations. The administration has also advised residents to shift livestock to safer places to prevent losses during a possible flood situation.

People living in flood-prone and low-lying areas have been asked to remain prepared for evacuation if the situation deteriorates further. Authorities have urged residents to keep essential items ready and cooperate with officials during any emergency response operation.

The Bongaigaon administration has further appealed to people to depend only on official updates and advisories issued by the district authorities and DDMA, while avoiding rumours or unverified information circulating on social media.

The fresh warning comes at a time when Upper Assam is still recovering from widespread floods that affected thousands of people, damaged homes, disrupted transportation and caused heavy losses to agricultural land.

With water from Bhutan’s Kurichhu Hydropower Project moving downstream and more rainfall expected in the region, concerns are growing that Lower Assam may witness a fresh spell of flooding in the coming days.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain cautious, stay informed and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.