YUPIA : The Papum Pare district administration has intensified restoration and relief measures following flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall across several parts of the district on Wednesday.
Continuous heavy rainfall caused widespread disruption, damaging roads, water supply infrastructure, houses and agricultural fields, while affecting normal life in several areas.
Road connectivity was severely impacted in the Hoj sector, where the Public Works Department highway between Hoj and Potin was blocked at multiple locations. The Hoj-Sagalee highway near Hoj Power House was also cut off following landslides.
Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja immediately visited the affected sites and mobilised men and machinery for road clearance operations. Four excavators have been deployed to restore connectivity, while police personnel have been stationed at vulnerable locations to regulate traffic and ensure public safety.
Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering also inspected the affected areas and reviewed ongoing restoration measures. He directed all concerned departments to expedite repair works and extend necessary assistance to affected families.
The Public Health Engineering Department reported temporary disruption of piped water supply in Yupia, Doimukh and Kimin due to damage caused by flash floods.
Several stretches of Border Roads Organisation roads under Kimin subdivision also suffered damage, including a culvert on the Kimin-Lichi-Potin road. Landslides and sludge accumulation at multiple locations further hampered vehicular movement.
Floods and landslides affected several villages, including Yiyee-I, Yiyee-II, Luksin, Hoj Dakte and Mepsoro under Sagalee Circle. Families from inundated areas were shifted to safer locations, while preliminary assessments indicated damage to at least 10 houses and a church under Toru Circle.
Agricultural losses were also reported, with pineapple, banana and orange plantations, along with fish ponds, suffering extensive damage.
The District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) is monitoring the situation round the clock, while departments concerned have been placed on alert to carry out restoration and relief operations. Volunteers have also been mobilised to assist in damage assessment and relief efforts.
Authorities said heavy discharge from the Pare Hydroelectric Project dam continues, with the current outflow reportedly being the highest recorded so far.
The district administration has appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and to strictly follow official advisories as restoration efforts continue across the district. (Source: DIPR)
