Schools/ colleges may be shut down from Monday if situation worsens; don’t go for panic buying: DC Cachar

June 18: In the backdrop of river Barak having crossed the danger level on 18 June, 2022 and in anticipation of heavy rainfall for the next 3 days in Cachar District (as per Regional Meteorological Center), Keerthi Jalli, Deputy Commissioner & Chairperson DDMA Cachar has urged upon the public to avoid moving out of their residences other than for emergency requirements or medical purposes. Speaking to newsmen on Saturday afternoon, DC Jalli said that the district has now come under disaster Red Zone as the water level at river Barak was increasing at 10 cm per hour on Saturday noon.

As regards educational institutions, DC Jalli said, “As of now, we have not closed the educational institutions in Cachar. Anyways, tomorrow is Sunday. Based on the situation, we would take a decision in this regard on Sunday evening. If the rainfall continues to persist, then from Monday we may take decision of closing schools and colleges.”

DC Jalli said, “I urge upon the public not to panic and don’t believe in rumours that are being circulated. We have released emergency phone numbers of DDMA, which will be available for the public 24×7. The contact details of District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), Cachar:

• Toll Free No. 1077.
• Phone No. 03842- 239249 Or 03842- 234005
• Mobile No. – 9401624141.”

With regards to food stock, petrol and diesel the Deputy Commissioner said, “We have stock of these items at our disposal. Yes, we don’t have stock of Maida, but atleast we can stay alive without Maida for a few days. We have enough stock for three days and in the meanwhile, we hope that the Meghalaya road will be open. Don’t go for panic buying. We have stock of UP potatoes for 3 days and as regards Bengal potato, we have enough stock for couple of months. It has come to my notice that people are doing panic buying of petrol and diesel. Please don’t do that.”

“I have also ensured that there arises no crisis of electricity and water. But here I would like to urge upon to use water judiciously and you all may also store some quantity of water. Further, people residing in and around vulnerable locations  i.e. close to river banks, landslide prone areas ) are requested to shift to the nearest relief camps or to the nearest School / Community Buildings for immediate shelter. All relief operation measures are underway,” added the Chairman DDMA. She also informed that Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma is in constant touch with his Meghalaya counterpart so that the road gets restored soon.

She also said that the greatest asset of Cachar is that we have an Airport and landing strip and in worst situation air lifting of commodities can be done at any moment. Jalli said that the NDRF, SDRF, Airforce, Army have been asked to be on the standby for any critical situation. “Till now, we have not received any request for evacuation. So far, roughly around 25,000 people were afftected in Cachar district. But this is a dynamic figure, which can increase gradually. We have enough dry ration. There is no shortage. All will get relief. So please don’t panic, said the Deputy Commissioner.

As regards dykes, DC Jalli said, “Last time in May, 2022, public at certain places cut the dykes. But this time, I have made it clear that this kind of attitude will not be tolerated. We will take strict action if such types of activities are detected this time. Till now, no breach of dykes have been reported. At Bethukandi, water was entering slowly through the previously broken part. Water Resource Department in association with Irrigation Department are working together to repair the dyke at Bethukandi and sluice gates at several places of Silchar.”

She also informed that so far no casualties were reported by drowning or by accident. But people should be cautious and fisherman should not venture out in the river. She also said that as a precautionary measure, Ferry services were closed in the district.