Landslides, floods wreak havoc in Arunachal; 15 dead, thousands affected

Several parts of Arunachal Pradesh have been severely affected by relentless monsoon rains since June, triggering landslides and flash floods across the state. Surface communication in Lower Siang district has been cut off due to heavy downpours, with landslides reported in Siji, Yate, and near Garu village. The Aalo-Likabali road—considered a lifeline for districts like West Siang, Leparada, Shi-Yomi, and Upper Subansiri—remains blocked.
 

Earlier, Anjaw district, which borders China, was cut off for nearly 20 days before road connectivity was restored by the administration. In Keyi Panyor district, rockfalls disrupted highway traffic for an entire day, while Lower Subansiri’s headquarters, Ziro, was flooded, damaging paddy fields and property.
 

Officials have urged residents to avoid night travel due to the risk of fresh landslides. According to reports, torrential rains have claimed at least 15 lives and displaced scores of families, affecting over 36,000 people across 26 districts. East Kameng and Upper Subansiri are among the worst-hit areas, with the state currently on high alert.
 

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each as per government norms. He assured that relief and rehabilitation measures are being carried out on a war footing. “I pray for eternal peace of the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families,” Khandu said in a statement, directing district administrations to remain on 24/7 alert and ensure timely delivery of aid.
 

In the state capital, Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), Tamme Phassang, urged people living near rivers and vulnerable areas to take extra precautions during heavy rains. He added that IMC, along with corporators from 20 wards covering Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, and Banderdewa, is on high alert and has undertaken massive preparedness measures to tackle the monsoon havoc.