A 300-metre-long iron bridge linking Kemi and Oyan in Assam’s Dhemaji district was swept away by strong floodwaters in the Kemi River on Sunday, June 28, completely cutting off road access between the Kemi–Purana Jelom area and Jonai Sadar. The collapse occurred during a sudden rise in river levels amid heavy inflow from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.
Residents said the bridge, reportedly built about a year ago, gave way after water discharge in the river began increasing around 11:00 AM and surged rapidly. By roughly 11:30 AM the river had overflowed and the structure was carried away, locals said. They pointed to the Kemi River’s swift monsoon currents as a key factor in the failure.
Locals alleged that concerns had been raised during construction about using an iron bridge at this site. Villagers say they had urged authorities to build a permanent concrete span instead, warning that an iron structure would not withstand peak monsoon flows.
The loss of the bridge has immediate humanitarian and economic consequences. Students from Kemi rely on the crossing to reach the area’s only school, and residents fear disruptions to education as examinations approach and water levels are expected to remain high for several days, they said. Agricultural activity is also affected: farmers who cross the river to reach their fields face logistical hurdles during the peak farming season.
At the time of reporting, authorities had not issued an official statement on the bridge collapse or outlined restoration plans. Locals have called for urgent assessment and a long-term solution to restore connectivity and protect the community from recurring monsoon damage.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/floodwaters-wash-away-300-metre-iron-bridge-in-assams-dhemaji-connectivity-cut-off-1415414-2026-06-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-28 16:24:00
