Guwahati, June 5 -- Reported by Farhana Ahmed

North Lakhimpur: Panic was reported in downstream areas of the Subansiri river after the release of water from the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Plant at Gerukamukh since Thursday afternoon.

The plant is operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

According to NHPC, water was released in phases from the 2000 MW project, with 1169.58 cumec at Daporijo, 2055.39 cumec at Tamin and 5393.94 cumec downstream of the dam since 4 pm on Thursday.

The release led to a rise in water levels and stronger currents in the Subansiri river in downstream areas of Assam's Lakhimpur district.

Three boats were affected by the increased flow, with two stranded on sandbars and one stuck at ...