NDMA-Nominated Central Team Reviews Sivasagar Floods, Focus on Long-Term Resilience and Future Preparedness : Brigadier R. Gurung-Led Expert Team Examines Causes, Damage, Rescue, Relief and Recovery Measures : DC Mridul Yadav Briefs Team on Flood Impact; DDMA Presents Detailed Technical Assessment

Sivasagar, September 22: A Central Investigation Team nominated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) visited Sivasagar district on September 22 to undertake a comprehensive review of the devastating flood that recently affected the district. The review focused on the causes and impact of the disaster, the response undertaken by the administration, and measures required to strengthen long-term resilience against future floods.

The expert team, led by Brigadier R. Gurung, Senior Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, held a detailed review meeting with the district administration and officials of various concerned departments at the Sukapha Conference Hall of the District Commissioner’s Office, Sivasagar.

District Commissioner Mridul Yadav was present during the meeting, which examined a wide range of issues including the technical factors associated with the flood, rescue operations, damage assessment, relief distribution, rehabilitation and recovery measures.

Experts from CWC, IMD, NRSC, NIH and NESAC Join Review

The NDMA-nominated team comprised experts representing several key scientific and technical institutions dealing with water resources, weather, remote sensing, hydrology and disaster management.

The members included Shashank Bhushan, Superintending Engineer, Central Water Commission (CWC); Dr. Sumit Das, Scientist ‘F’, India Meteorological Department (IMD); Dr. S.V.S.P. Sharma, Scientist/Engineer ‘SF’, DMSG, RSAA, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC); Dr. Pankaj Mani, Scientist ‘G’ and Head, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH); and Dr. Diganta Barman, Scientist/Engineer ‘SG’, North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).

Also participating in the review were Mukta Ram Deka, Project Manager (DRR), Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA); Biren Baishya, GIS Expert; and Nava Deka, Engineering Consultant (Flood Mitigation).

DC Mridul Yadav Briefs Team on Causes and Impact of Flood

The meeting began with a welcome address by District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, who provided the visiting team with an overview of the preliminary causes and impact of the recent flood.

He also briefed the experts on the rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the district administration during and after the disaster.

The presentation highlighted the administrative response to the emergency and the coordinated efforts undertaken by different departments to address the challenges arising from the flood.

DDMA Presents Detailed Technical Overview

Dr. Bijoylakshmi Gogoi, District Project Officer, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Sivasagar, subsequently made a detailed PowerPoint presentation before the Central team.

The presentation covered the technical factors associated with the recent flooding, rescue operations, damage assessment, relief measures and recovery initiatives undertaken across the affected areas.

The presentation provided the visiting experts with a comprehensive picture of the flood situation and the measures adopted by the district administration to manage the emergency and support the affected population.

Learning from Recent Disaster Key to Future Preparedness: Brigadier R. Gurung

During the review, Brigadier R. Gurung took stock of the measures implemented by the district administration and various departments in response to the flood.

He stated that a key objective of the review was to draw lessons from the recent disaster and use those experiences to enhance the district’s capacity to deal with potential floods in the future.

The challenges encountered during the recent flood and the lessons emerging from the response were discussed as important inputs for developing a stronger and more effective disaster-management strategy.

Greater Focus on Early Warning Systems

Brigadier Gurung particularly stressed the need to further strengthen the Early Warning System so that information on potential flood risks can be communicated effectively and timely action can be taken.

He also emphasised increasing public awareness and community preparedness, including ensuring that people in vulnerable areas are adequately informed about precautions and appropriate responses during emergencies.

Improved preparedness at the community level was highlighted as an important component of reducing risks and protecting lives during future flood events.

Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure Highlighted as Priority

The meeting also focused on the need for planned development of disaster-resilient infrastructure, particularly in areas vulnerable to recurring floods.

The discussions underlined the importance of incorporating disaster risks and potential flood impacts into infrastructure planning so that essential facilities and public assets are better equipped to withstand future emergencies.

Active Monitoring Team During Monsoon Recommended

Another major recommendation highlighted during the meeting was the establishment of an active monitoring team at the district level during the monsoon season.

Such a mechanism would help maintain close surveillance of weather conditions, water levels and emerging flood risks, enabling the administration and concerned departments to take preventive and emergency measures in a timely manner.

The emphasis was also placed on better coordination and information-sharing among departments to ensure a swift and coordinated response whenever a potential flood threat emerges.

Central Experts Offer Technical and Experience-Based Suggestions

Experts accompanying the Central Investigation Team shared several technical and experience-based recommendations for dealing with flood situations.

Their suggestions covered various aspects of flood management, including scientific assessment, hydrological monitoring, weather information, remote-sensing applications, GIS-based assessment, disaster-risk reduction and flood-mitigation measures.

The interaction provided an opportunity for the district administration and technical experts to exchange views on strengthening Sivasagar’s preparedness for future disasters.

Senior District Officials Attend Review Meeting

The meeting was also attended by Satish Chandra Thakuria, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad; Chiranjeev P., Divisional Forest Officer; Pratibha Meshram and Lukumoni Borah, Co-District Commissioners of Nazira and Demow respectively; Meenakshi Permey, Chief Executive Officer, DDMA; and Rishabh Hans, Additional Superintendent of Police.

Assistant Commissioners Portia Khanikar and Anwesha Thakur, Election Officer Ganesh Chandra Baro, Circle Officers and officials and employees of various concerned departments were also present.

Long-Term Resilience at the Centre of Flood Review

The review meeting placed significant emphasis not only on assessing the recent flood but also on translating the lessons from the disaster into stronger long-term preparedness and resilience.

Strengthening early warning mechanisms, improving public awareness, enhancing scientific and technical monitoring, developing disaster-resilient infrastructure and maintaining active district-level surveillance during the monsoon emerged as key areas of focus.

The technical observations and recommendations of the NDMA-nominated team are expected to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening Sivasagar district’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for and respond more effectively to future flood emergencies.