India, June 17 -- Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) would rope in an expert from the United States to contain the leak from a natural gas well operated by the company in Sibsagar district.

The gas well has been witnessing a blowout, an uncontrolled release of gas (or fuel) due to failure of pressure control systems, since June 12 leading to fears of it becoming flammable or causing environmental damage to the area. Despite efforts, engineers from ONGC have failed to close the leakage.

"Around 350 families living in the area have been evacuated and are now living in a relief camp. This morning, Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota spoke with ONGC chairman Arun Kumar ...