ITANAGAR : Heavy rainfall battered East Siang, Lower Siang and Lepa Rada districts on Sunday, inundating low-lying areas, disrupting normal life and snapping road connectivity in several parts of the state, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Heavy showers lashed Pasighat and adjoining areas throughout the day, leading to waterlogging and a sharp rise in the water levels of rivers and streams. Fresh landslides blocked key roads connecting East Siang with neighbouring districts.
According to the road status issued at 6 pm, the Pasighat-Pangin-Aalo road and the Likabali-Basar-Aalo road were blocked due to landslides and incessant rain, as confirmed by the deputy commissioners of East Siang and Lepa Rada districts.
In East Siang district, flooding at Ledum village inundated at least 10 houses, with one house almost completely submerged. Two cattle were swept away, while a community toilet, a rice mill and three shops suffered damage. Around 12 houses located in vulnerable areas were evacuated as a precaution, officials said.
No casualties or missing persons were reported. Evacuated families have taken shelter with relatives, while the community hall has been kept ready as a relief shelter.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out three rescue operations during the day, rescuing 24 people, including eight labourers, from flood-hit areas in Yapgo and Oyan. All those rescued were reported safe.
Meanwhile, authorities issued an urgent public safety alert in Lower Siang district after a massive landslide blocked the flow of the Siji River near the Siji-Magi block point, creating a temporary natural dam. Officials warned that a sudden breach of the blockage could trigger a devastating flash flood downstream, threatening lives, houses, livestock, roads and bridges.
Police and district officials have alerted residents living along the Siji River and downstream areas, including parts of neighbouring Assam, to stay away from riverbanks, remain prepared for evacuation and report any sudden changes in water levels.
The latest weather-related disruptions came just days after flash floods devastated Keyi Panyor district, where search, rescue and relief operations are continuing following multiple deaths, missing persons and widespread destruction.
The IMD has forecast the possibility of more than 200 mm of rainfall in parts of the state over the next 24 hours. State disaster management authorities have asked all district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert for flash floods, landslides, river overflows and other rain-related emergencies.
Residents, particularly those living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official advisories.
