Severe Landslides and Flash Floods Impact Arunachal Pradesh
Severe Weather Conditions in Arunachal Pradesh
The aftermath of a flash flood in Arunachal Pradesh in June (Photo: PTI)
Itanagar, Aug 5: Recent heavy rainfall has led to new landslides and flash floods affecting three districts in Arunachal Pradesh, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
As a result of the ongoing floods and landslides, seven lives have been lost in the state. The cumulative effects of the monsoon have impacted approximately 155,858 individuals across 28 districts, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
The latest report indicates that Upper Siang, Kra Daadi, and Kamle districts experienced significant damage in the last 24 hours.
In Upper Siang, landslides have impacted the Yingkiong circle and Yingkiong village. Flash floods in Kra Daadi affected the Tarak Langdi circle, particularly between Taji and Kambang villages. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Kamle hit Raga circle, impacting Godak and Kigam villages.
Overall, monsoon-related disasters have affected 384 circles and 678 villages throughout the state.
The report also noted extensive damage to public infrastructure, with 235 roads, 40 bridges, 75 culverts, 373 water supply systems, 161 power lines, 823 electric poles, 66 irrigation projects, 122 government buildings, 41 schools, 12 hydropower projects, 26 retaining walls, and 16 flood protection walls suffering damage due to floods and landslides.
Additionally, the agriculture and horticulture sectors have faced severe losses, with over 1,528.626 hectares of crops affected, including 780.716 hectares of horticulture and 747.91 hectares of agricultural land.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Longding, Lower Subansiri, and Papum Pare districts on Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, is also expected over East Kameng, Lohit, Namsai, and Kamle on Wednesday. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay alert, as the intense rainfall may lead to further landslides and flash floods.
According to the district-wise warning from the Meteorological Centre, weather conditions are expected to improve by Thursday, with only Papum Pare remaining under a weather watch, while no significant warnings have been issued for the rest of the state.
Rainfall activity is anticipated to diminish further on Friday, with Pakke-Kessang being the only district still under observation.
No weather warnings are expected for Saturday, suggesting that the current widespread rainfall may ease across Arunachal Pradesh. However, authorities continue to advise caution for those living in landslide and flood-prone areas, as the saturated soil from weeks of continuous rain could still result in localized landslides and flash floods despite the improving weather forecast.