YUPIA, Jun 24: Torrential and continuous rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across several parts of Papum Pare district on Tuesday, severely affecting road connectivity, water supply systems, and several villages, causing extensive damage to houses and agricultural fields.
According to an official report, the incident began around 6:30 am following continuous heavy rainfall across the district. The downpour led to flash floods, landslides, road blockages, and inundation in vulnerable areas.
Road communication was badly hit in the Hoj area where the PWD highway road from Hoj to Potin was cut off due to heavy rainfall and blockage. The Hoj-Sagalee highway road near Hoj Power House was also blocked following landslides.
In a prompt response, ADC Sagalee Kipa Raja rushed to the block points and immediately started mobilizing men and machinery for the road clearance.
The ADC further stated that efforts are underway to make the road between Hoj Bridge and Hoj motorable for the general public by evening. At present, four JCBs have been pressed into service for clearance operations, while additional police personnel have been stationed at vulnerable points for traffic management.
Meanwhile, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering visited the affected areas to take first-hand stock of the situation and review ongoing restoration and relief measures. He directed concerned departments to expedite restoration works and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) reported temporary disruption of pipeline water supply due to flash flood damage in Yupia headquarters, Doimukh township, and Kimin headquarters.
Several stretches of BRO roads under Kimin subdivision also suffered major damages. Reports stated that the Kimin-Lichi-Potin BRO culvert was damaged between KM 21.00 to 21.300. Landslides also damaged roads at KM 23.00, while sludge accumulation was reported at multiple locations including KM 16.500 and KM 7.00.
Several villages including Yiyee-I, Yiyee-II, Luksin, Hoj Dakte, and Mepsoro under Sagalee circle were affected by flooding and landslides. Inundated families were shifted to nearby households for safety. Initial assessment reports indicated damage to at least 10 dwelling houses and one church under Toru circle.
Agricultural crops including pineapples, bananas, oranges, and fish ponds also suffered massive damage due to the floods.
The District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) has been monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Concerned departments including Highway, Police, Power, and Agriculture have been alerted for immediate action and restoration work. Volunteers have also been mobilized for assessment and relief measures.
The report further stated that heavy discharge of water from the Pare Dam is continuing, and according to records maintained by the Pare Control Room, the present discharge is the heaviest recorded from the dam so far.
District authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
Emergency DEOC numbers are DEOC control room number: 9485236652;
OC Doimukh: 8974154089; NDRF Control room: 9485235465; and Pare Hydro Power control room: 6909369982. (DIPRO)