Vehicles stuck on NH-80 after Yaas washes away road

Dumka: Vehicular movement along national highway (NH) 80 got disrupted between Barharwa (Sahibganj) and Farakka in West Bengal as a portion of the road got washed away near Nischitdhara along the border between the two states due to high current of flood water of the Gumani river on Saturday evening following cyclone Yaas.
Hundreds of trucks engaged in transportation of stone chips from Sahibganj district are stranded on either side of the highway as it is the only road connecting the two states.
Sources said vehicular movement along the stretch between Barharwa and Farakka remained normal till Saturday afternoon but suddenly the water level of the river rose, washing out a portion of the road.
Vast areas are reportedly submerged in Barharwa, Patna, Borio and Barhet blocks of the district due to the incessant rains triggered by the cyclone. The district headquarters of Sahibganj is also affected, said officials.
The rain halted movement on the state highway connecting NH-80 since Saturday as a diversion of a bridge between Mathiyo and Bada Bishanpur under Borio block was also washed away.
Nearly one dozen villages have been inundated in Borio block due to the flood water, promoting the district administration to launch a drive to shift them to safer places and provide relief materials on a priority basis.
“Flood water is still flowing on different roads, including the NH and state highway,” Sahibganj deputy commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said, adding, there were no loss of life. “Water levels are gradually receding,” he said.
On restoration of the road, Yadav said he is in contact with NHAI authorities to renovate the damaged portion of about 25m on a priority.
“The rain water submerged different localities of Sahibganj town which was mainly caused by unplanned structures constructed during the course of time by both government enterprises, including railways, and common residents. Improper drainage system turned the situation miserable,” Yadav explained adding that a long term plan would be chalked out to avoid such situation.
Yadav further said that the assessment of the loss of crops and property of farmers and businessmen is being made and will soon be sent to the state headquarter for release of compensation.