Massive landslide snaps Arunachal's Dirang–Tawang road, commuters stranded

Road connectivity between Dirang and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh has been completely disrupted after a massive landslide struck multiple locations in West Kameng district, following incessant slope failures.

The incident, which began near Padma Hotel on Sunday, August 24 intensified on Monday, August 25 morning as large portions of the hillside collapsed across at least three vulnerable points between Padma and Chepara. Later in the afternoon, another landslide near Sapper Camp further crippled the crucial Dirang–Tawang route.

Officials confirmed that nearly 120 meters of the highway have been blocked, halting all vehicular movement. Vehicles en route from Tawang to Tezpur were forced to turn back as the Bhalukpong–Chariduar–Tawang highway remains completely shut.

Two vehicles—a Gypsy and a Bolero—were struck by falling boulders but, in a stroke of luck, passengers escaped unhurt. However, both vehicles sustained significant damage.

Restoration operations are underway, with authorities deploying heavy machinery to clear the debris. Local sources indicated that traffic may resume as early as tomorrow, provided weather conditions remain stable and no fresh slope failures occur.

Authorities have issued an advisory urging travelers to avoid the affected stretch until further notice, warning that the region remains highly vulnerable to additional landslides due to loose soil and continuous rainfall.