Guwahati: Assam's flood situation remained a cause for concern on Friday as the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued a fresh public advisory asking people to stay away from the Dhansiri (South) River in Golaghat district following a continuous rise in its water level.  

In an advisory, the ASDMA urged citizens residing along riverbanks and nearby areas to remain alert and avoid venturing close to the river until the situation improves. "Due to the continuous increase in the water level of River Dhansiri (South) at Golaghat in Golaghat district of Assam, citizens are advised to stay away from the river," the authority said in its advisory. 

The warning comes even as the state continues to battle floods which have affected more than 1.68 lakh people across 15 districts. 

According to the latest ASDMA flood bulletin, 1,68,701 people across 481 villages in 39 revenue circles remain affected by the deluge. More than 14,382 hectares of agricultural land are still submerged, severely impacting farming activities in several districts. 

Golaghat remains the worst-affected district with 54,085 people hit by the floods, followed by Sivasagar (49,515), Jorhat (27,842) and Charaideo (21,486). 

Significant crop losses have also been reported from Sivasagar, Jorhat, Lakhimpur and Charaideo. 

The ASDMA said the Dhansiri (South) at Numaligarh continued to flow above the danger level, although no river in the state was reported above the highest flood level. 

The state government has kept 133 relief camps and relief distribution centres operational across the affected districts. 

A total of 10,111 displaced people are taking shelter in relief camps, while another 35,596 people are receiving assistance through relief distribution centres. Relief agencies have distributed rice, pulses, edible oil, cattle feed and other essential commodities among affected families. 

The floods have so far claimed two lives -- one each in Golaghat and Udalguri districts -- while no person is currently reported missing. The disaster has also affected 41,475 animals and damaged 365 houses, including 40 that were completely destroyed. 

Rescue teams remain deployed in vulnerable areas with boats and personnel on standby as authorities continue relief, rescue and restoration operations. 

(IANS)