Northeast Desk, 8th July: Arunachal Pradesh is grappling with severe disruptions in surface communication across multiple districts following devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains. Officials have confirmed that landslides in Shi-Yomi district resulted in the tragic loss of one life on Friday, contributing to a total of four fatalities from natural calamities since April.
Key routes crucial for connectivity, such as the Tezu-Hayuliang road in Lohit and Anjaw districts, and the Dari-Chambang and Palin-Taraklengdi roads in Kra Daadi district via Langdang village, remain impassable due to landslide blockages. National Highway 513 has also faced significant obstructions at Geying in East Siang district, further complicating relief efforts.
Since April, more than 72,900 people across 257 villages in Arunachal Pradesh have been adversely affected by floods and landslides. The disasters have inflicted extensive damage on critical infrastructure, including 160 roads, 76 power lines, 30 electric poles, three transformers, nine bridges, 11 culverts, and 147 water supply systems. Moreover, 627 kutcha houses, 51 pucca houses, and 155 huts have suffered varying degrees of damage.
In the state capital, Itanagar, residents are grappling with severe water scarcity due to pipeline damages. Efforts are underway to restore water supply, with officials estimating that complete restoration may take several days.
Adding to the crisis, Damin, Parsi Parlo, and Panyasang administrative circles in Kurung Kumey district have been isolated following intense rainfall that triggered flash floods and landslides. Multiple road blockades towards Damin via Parsi Parlo have been reported, exacerbating the region’s isolation.
Authorities have closed NH-415 at Karsingsa block point due to a major landslide, rerouting traffic via Gumto for safety reasons following assessments by Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate the effects of these natural disasters and restore normalcy across affected areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
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