In a heart-wrenching incident today two motorboats collided carrying a total of 100 passengers. The motorboat was proceeding from Jorhat to Majuli island district across the Brahmaputra when it collided with another headed in the opposite direction after it had left Neamati Ghat in Jorhat today.
Personnel from NDRF and SDRF have been pressed into action for rescue operations in the mighty river that is now on spate.
The incident took place today at around 4.30 pm, as per officials. According to GD Tripathy, CEO of Assam State Disaster Management Authority nearly 30 people managed to swim to the bank.
As per initial reports, one body has been recovered so far and several others still missing. However, the rescue operation is still on.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa has expressed deep concern over the boat accident and directed the District Administration of Majuli and Jorhat to expedite the rescue operation with NDRF & SDRF.
The CM has also directed Minister Bimal Bora to rush to Majuli to oversee the rescue operation while the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Samir Kumar Sinha has been directed to monitor the developments round-the-clock.
Taking to his Twitter CM Sarma wrote, “I am pained at the tragic boat accident near Nimati Ghat, Jorhat. Directed Majuli & Jorhat admin to undertake rescue mission expeditiously with help of @NDRFHQ & SDRF. Advising Min @BimalBorahbjp to immediately rush to the accident site. I’ll also visit Nimati Ghat tomorrow.”
