Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – The relentless monsoon has plunged Arunachal Pradesh into a severe crisis, as incessant rains continue to unleash a torrent of landslides and flash floods across 23 districts, impacting over 3,000 residents. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the rain-induced calamities have tragically claimed 12 lives so far, with nine fatalities attributed to landslides, one to flooding, one to a wall collapse, and another from a weather-related tree fall incident reported earlier in May in Longding.
Fresh landslides have been reported in Dibang Valley, Anjaw, and along the crucial Likabali-Aalo highway, bringing road connectivity to a grinding halt in several areas. Major rivers across the state are flowing above danger levels, amplifying fears of widespread inundation. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) report paints a grim picture of the unfolding disaster.
Changlang district has emerged as the epicentre of the devastation, with at least six villages submerged and over 2,231 residents displaced from their homes. A flash flood in the district washed away a section of the Makantong bridge, effectively severing Miao from Bordumsa on the Trans-Arunachal Highway. The Miao subdivision has borne the brunt of the deluge, witnessing significant damage to tourist hotspots like Zupra and River Café, alongside substantial losses of livestock and horticultural assets. The ITI in Balinong under Kharsang Circle also suffered heavy damage, with hostels and staff quarters sustaining considerable destruction.
The havoc extended to Lower Subansiri, where 114 kutcha houses, 51 roads, 17 power lines, 23 water supply lines, and two schools were destroyed. The Itanagar Capital Region and Pakke Kessang also reported extensive damage to their road networks and vital water pipelines. Across the state, a total of 212 houses have been damaged, 425 livestock deaths reported, and approximately 37 hectares of farmland and plantations lie ruined.
In a concerted effort, authorities have managed to evacuate 2,249 people, with three relief camps currently providing shelter to 239 displaced residents. Relief operations are in full swing, spearheaded by teams from the NDRF, SDRF, state police, and dedicated local volunteers.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday, reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to their safety. “The well-being of our people remains our top priority as we confront the challenges of the monsoon together,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki has urged the government to implement proactive measures, including early warning systems and real-time flood and landslide sensors, emphasizing the critical need for multi-channel alerts to reach even the most remote villages. As the monsoon shows no signs of abating, authorities are bracing for an even more formidable challenge in safeguarding lives and infrastructure across the Himalayan state.
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