| Staff REPORTER |
Itanagar, Jun 28: Heavy and incessant rainfall across several districts of Arunachal Pradesh has triggered flash floods, rising river levels, landslides and road blockages, disrupting normal life in East Siang, Leparada and Lower Siang districts.
According to Secretary (Disaster Management) Dani Salu, flash floods were reported from Chisi and Dali villages under Dari circle in Leparada district, while the Kidi River at Basar was flowing above the danger level. Water levels at Nyigam bridge point in Basar headquarters also crossed the danger mark.
In East Siang district, a flash flood struck Ledum village on Sunday morning, while the Sibokrong river near Pasighat continued to rise.
The situation at Ledum remains critical, with at least 10 houses inundated by floodwaters, one of them almost completely submerged. Two cattle were swept away, and three shops were also damaged by the flood.
As a precautionary measure, residents from around 12 houses located in vulnerable areas, including those already inundated, were evacuated to safer locations. While most affected families have taken shelter with relatives, a community dere has been designated as a relief shelter. No casualties or missing persons have been reported from the area so far.
Road connectivity across East Siang district has been severely impacted. The Pasighat–Pangin Road, Pasighat–Mariyang–Yingkiong Road, Pasighat–Mebo–Dambuk–Bomjir Road, Bilat–Ledum Road, and roads near Balek Secondary School and Ranaghat Bridge remain blocked due to landslides and flood damage. However, the Yerong–Korong–Mebo Road and the road connecting the lower and upper campuses of Jawaharlal Nehru College have been cleared and reopened.
Adding to the crisis, authorities reported the collapse of a bridge at Ledum, further affecting connectivity and movement in the flood-hit locality.
The Department of Disaster Management further informed that the Pasighat–Pangin–Aalo Road and the Likabali–Basar–Aalo Road were blocked, affecting inter-district movement.
Meanwhile, a major landslide at the Siji Block Point between Siji and Magi near the Likabali check gate in Lower Siang district has completely blocked the flow of the Siji River (Gai Nadi), creating a temporary natural dam.
Authorities warned that the accumulated water poses a serious threat to downstream areas, as a sudden breach of the blockage could trigger a devastating flash flood.
In response, the Lower Siang district administration issued an urgent public safety alert, directing residents of Likabali, villages along the Siji River and downstream areas, including neighbouring parts of Assam, to remain on high alert.
People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, avoid unnecessary travel near the river, and be prepared for evacuation if required.
In Leparada district, continuous rainfall has led to extensive flooding of agricultural fields along the Kidi River catchment and adjoining settlements in Basar and Sago circles. Standing crops have suffered significant damage due to prolonged inundation, although a detailed assessment will be conducted after floodwaters recede.
Road connectivity has also been disrupted by landslides near Kamdak in Basar and along the Sago–Sadi road corridor. Local authorities sought the urgent deployment of heavy machinery to clear debris and restore transportation links.
Despite the adverse weather, rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Rescue Resource Centre (RRC), Pasighat, carried out three successful rescue operations on the day. Eleven people, including eight labourers, were rescued from Yapgo during the first operation, while another nine residents were evacuated in a second operation at the same location. A third operation at Oyan rescued four more individuals.
In total, 24 people, including 17 males and seven females, were rescued and evacuated to safety. Officials confirmed that all rescued persons are safe.
Authorities across the affected districts continue to closely monitor river levels, landslide-prone areas and weather conditions as heavy rainfall persists.
Emergency response teams remain on standby, while residents have been urged to strictly follow official advisories and avoid venturing into flood- and landslide-prone areas.