Amidst heavy flooding, a tragic incident occurred on Sunday in the middle of the Brahmaputra River near Rahmoria in the Chabua area of Dibrugarh district. Four individuals—Ajay Orang, Pranjal Orang, Ranjit Kurmi (all from Rahmoria), and Preetikoi Das from Boratichuk—went missing while returning from tending to their cattle on a riverine sandbar (chapori).
According to local sources, the individuals are suspected to have gone missing during their return journey from the Palbhanga chapori, where they had gone to check on their livestock. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has launched a search and rescue operation, which is currently ongoing.
Notably, the Palbhanga chapori area has witnessed similar incidents in the past. In June 2022, a country boat carrying nine people capsized in the Brahmaputra while traveling from Palbhanga chapori to Balijan Ghat.
The Palbhanga chapori is home to several families who rely on cattle rearing and vegetable farming for their livelihood. Despite the risk, especially during flood season, locals often have no choice but to travel to these river islands for survival.
The district administration is now considering stronger safety measures and advisories regarding boat travel and daily movement in these vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, the families of the missing individuals and the entire region remain in deep anxiety and continue to hope for their safe return.
