Arunachal battles landslides, floods as incessant rains wreak havoc

Guwahati: Incessant rains in Arunachal Pradesh caused landslides and floods in many districts on Monday, disrupting daily life and damaging infrastructure. All major rivers overflowed, exceeding danger marks.

The overflowing Kameng river swept away several houses in Seppa, East Kameng district headquarters, but there were no casualties reported.

A landslide at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Division IV area damaged several buildings and buried a car. The driver miraculously escaped.

Heavy rains on Sunday washed away the important Kurung bridge, cutting off connectivity to Kurung Kumey district.

Flood alerts were issued for Namsai district and Wakro circle of Lohit district as river water levels rose above danger marks. Thirty-four villages in these areas have been affected so far. People are advised to stay alert, take precautions, and avoid rivers and riverbanks.

Incessant rains caused the Siang river, its tributaries, and other streams in East Siang district to overflow. Landslides triggered by the rain blocked communication along the Pasighat-Yingkiong and Pasighat-Aalo highways.

Floodwaters submerged low-lying areas in Pasighat, Ruksin, Mirem, Bilat (East Siang district), and parts of Lower Siang district. Construction work on the Murkongselek-Pasighat railway line is also hampered by the weather.

The IMD issued a red alert for Changlang, Namsai, Lohit, Lower Dibang Valley, East Siang and Lower Siang districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rains over the next two days. Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is expected in other districts on Tuesday.

Schools in Itanagar and nearby areas are closed for five days due to the weather conditions.