Torrential monsoon rains claim 9 lives in Arunachal, CM Khandu leads ground response

Arunachal Pradesh has been battered by relentless monsoon rains, resulting in flash floods and multiple landslides across several districts, claiming the lives of at least nine people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including mini dams, bridges, roads, and farmlands.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is personally overseeing relief and rescue operations, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh each to the next of kin. He urged residents to strictly follow safety advisories and relocate to designated relief camps or safer locations, especially those residing in vulnerable zones and near river basins.

“People must avoid venturing near rivers or unstable terrain. The state government is on high alert, and all departments are working round-the-clock to mitigate the impact,” said the Chief Minister. He also cautioned against unnecessary travel and emphasized vigilance during nighttime.

Seven of the casualties were reported from East Kameng district, while two labourers lost their lives in a landslide at a cabbage farm in Lower Subansiri’s Ziro Valley. Rescue teams managed to save two others from the same incident, which occurred near the Pine Groove area along the Ziro-Kamle road, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ojing Lego.

In Upper Subansiri district, flash floods caused by the overflowing Sigin River inundated large parts of Daporijo town, damaging over 117 houses and public infrastructure. District officials, led by Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, are assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. Residents in the worst-affected areas—Polo Colony, Sigin Colony, Bukpen Colony, and Forest Colony—have been advised to relocate immediately.

In West Kameng district, road connectivity has been severely disrupted. Landslides near Jamiri on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang (BCT) road stranded hundreds, while major blockades were reported in Jyoti Nagar, Dirang, Padma, and Durga Mandir. A landslide in Bomdila’s Petaling Colony also destroyed roads and culverts, although no casualties were reported.

District Disaster Management Officer Mindu Yangzom confirmed that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) teams have been deployed, though continuous rainfall is slowing progress.

In Shi Yomi district, the strategic town of Mechuka near the Indo-China border has been completely cut off after the connecting road was washed away. Restoration work is underway on a war footing.

Additional landslides have been reported from Kurung Kumey, Kamle, and Lower Subansiri districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall in the coming days due to a depression over Bangladesh, prompting the state administration to place all relevant departments on high alert.

Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, halt earth-cutting work, and immediately evacuate from landslide-prone areas.

Relief and rescue operations continue across affected districts, with emergency services and local authorities working in coordination to restore connectivity and provide essential supplies.