Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has addressed concerns over a reported landslide along the Dikhow River in neighbouring Nagaland. The incident triggered anxiety among residents in downstream areas of Sivasagar district.
The Chief Minister said there was no immediate cause for panic as authorities continued monitoring the situation.
The reported landslide raised fears of a possible blockage in the river channel. Officials initially received information suggesting that the landslide could have obstructed a significant portion of the river’s flow.
The development prompted the Sivasagar district administration to coordinate with authorities in Nagaland and assess possible risks to downstream communities.
The administration also urged residents to remain alert and follow official updates.
Landslide Report Triggers Alert in Sivasagar
The reported landslide occurred between Yaongyimsen in Mokokchung district and Yongshei in Longleng district of Nagaland.
According to preliminary information shared by local authorities, around 80 per cent of the Dikhow River’s channel may have faced obstruction. The remaining 20 per cent reportedly continued to carry water.
The information raised concerns in Assam, particularly in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts.
The Dikhow River has caused severe flooding in Upper Assam in the past. Residents therefore expressed concern over the possibility of another sudden rise in water levels.
Following the reports, the Sivasagar administration contacted its counterparts in Nagaland to verify the situation.
Ground Verification Finds Normal River Flow
Subsequent ground verification brought relief to residents living along the river.
The Sivasagar district administration confirmed that officials found no obstruction or blockade at the reported landslide site.
Authorities also reported no abnormality in the downstream flow of the Dikhow River.
The district administration said it would continue monitoring the situation in coordination with Nagaland officials.
The reported landslide site lies approximately 44 kilometres from the overhanging bridge at Naginimora, before the river enters Assam.
Officials also checked the river’s condition at Bihubar, a location that has previously faced serious flooding.
Sivasagar Administration Monitors Water Levels
The district administration continued tracking water levels to identify any unusual changes.
At Bihubar, the Dikhow River remained well below its warning and danger marks during the latest reported assessment.
Officials recorded a water level of 94.73 metres between 11 am and 1 pm on Thursday. The danger mark stands at 103.77 metres, while the warning level is 102.77 metres.
The administration said it would maintain close surveillance and coordinate with neighbouring districts.
Residents in downstream areas also received advice to report unusual changes in water flow or river levels.
The authorities have shared emergency contact numbers for people who may need assistance.
Dikhow River’s Flood History Raises Concerns
The latest development has revived memories of the devastating floods that affected Upper Assam earlier this year.
Heavy rainfall in upstream areas of Nagaland caused the Dikhow and other rivers to swell, resulting in widespread flooding across parts of Sivasagar and neighbouring districts.
The floods damaged homes, agricultural land and infrastructure. Several communities also faced disruptions to daily life.
The experience has made residents particularly cautious about developments that could affect the river’s natural flow.
The administration’s prompt verification and monitoring efforts aim to reduce uncertainty and help authorities respond quickly if conditions change.
Assam and Nagaland Coordinate on River Safety
The situation has highlighted the importance of coordination between Assam and Nagaland in managing risks along rivers that cross state boundaries.
Information sharing between district administrations can help officials assess threats and issue timely advisories.
The authorities are continuing to monitor the reported landslide location and downstream conditions.
The administration has also urged people not to rely on unverified messages circulating on social media.
Officials stressed that residents should follow information issued by the district administration and disaster management authorities.
Authorities Continue Monitoring Dikhow River
The latest assessment indicates that the Dikhow River is flowing normally, with no confirmed blockage at the reported landslide site.
However, authorities are maintaining vigilance because of the region’s flood history and the possibility of changing conditions.
The Chief Minister’s response and the district administration’s monitoring efforts aim to reassure residents while maintaining preparedness.
For communities living along the Dikhow River, timely information and coordination remain essential to managing potential flood risks.
The administration has reiterated that people should remain alert but avoid unnecessary panic as officials continue to assess the situation.