Date:12/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/12/stories/2008091255971300.htm

National

Assam’s sorrow

— PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

BEFORE AND AFTER: The National Highway 31 in Kendukona area in Kamrup district of Assam as pictured on September 1 when flood waters of the Puthimari river engulfed it. At right, in the photo taken on September 11 the highway is seen eroded by the floods. The highway, which links the northeast with the rest of the country, remains cut off. Floods have claimed 28 human lives and more than 4,500 head of cattle in the State so far. The damage to the crop area has been estimated at 1,35,345 hectares.