Relentless rain triggers flash floods, landslides across Arunachal; 117 houses damaged, roads blocked

Heavy rainfall over the past few days has triggered flash floods and landslides across multiple districts of Arunachal Pradesh, severely disrupting normal life. In Upper Subansiri, the Sigin River overflowed and caused extensive flooding in Daporijo town, submerging low-lying areas and damaging public infrastructure. According to officials, at least 117 houses were affected in Polo Colony, Sigum Rijo, Sigin Colony, Bukpen Colony, and Forest Colony.

Over 80 families have been directly impacted, with evacuations carried out in flood-prone areas. Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo and Additional DC Biaro Sorum visited the affected locations to assess the damage. The DC issued a prohibitory order urging residents in vulnerable zones to shift to safer places. "All departments concerned, police and disaster management teams, have been placed on high alert and directed to remain prepared for any emergency,” District Information and Public Relations Officer Taw Ekke said.

In West Kameng district, landslides near Jamiri on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road have stranded commuters. Road blockages were also reported in Jyoti Nagar, Dirang, Padma, and Durga Mandir. A major landslide in Petaling Colony, Bomdila, washed away portions of roads and an abandoned house, disrupting power supply. Road connectivity between Nafra, Nakhu, and Nachibom villages in West Kameng and Bichom district has been cut off. Border Roads Organisation teams have been deployed, but continuous rain is hampering restoration work.

Landslides were also reported in Kurung Kumey, Kamle, and Lower Subansiri districts, prompting immediate deployment of disaster response teams to clear debris and restore connectivity. Authorities have temporarily halted all construction and earth-cutting activities. Residents have been advised to avoid unstable areas, water bodies, and to evacuate if conditions worsen. The water level in Miyong River rose due to rainfall, though it remains below the danger mark.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for five districts: Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, West Siang, Lohit, and Changlang. A multi-hazard warning forecasts extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The rainfall is attributed to a low-pressure system over Northeast India. Relief operations and damage assessments are ongoing, and emergency services remain on standby as further rain is expected.