YUPIA : Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering on Sunday conducted a comprehensive ground assessment of flood-affected areas under Sagalee subdivision following the cloudburst and flash floods that struck the district on June 24.

Accompanied by officials from various departments, the DC visited several villages under Toru circle, including Yayee-I, Yayee-II, Hoj-II, Luksin, Yabi, Goya, Hoj Dakte, Yayee Poll, Soto and Techir, to assess damage to residential houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure.

Dakte Hoj panchayat emerged as the worst-affected area, with extensive destruction reported in Luksin, Yayee, Bodhe Happa, Yabi, Goya-I and Goya-II villages. Several houses were damaged or destroyed, leaving many families homeless, while agricultural and horticultural fields also suffered heavy losses.

During the visit, Tsering interacted with affected residents, who narrated the extent of damage to their homes and livelihoods. The district administration observed that most displaced families are currently staying with relatives and are unwilling to move to temporary relief camps.

In view of this, no temporary shelters have been established. However, relief materials have been handed over to the Toru Circle Officer and the Hoj Gram Panchayat Chairperson (GPC) for distribution among the affected families.

The assessment team included Sagalee Sub-Divisional Officer Kipa Raja, District Disaster Management Officer Nima Tashi, officials from the Rural Works Department (RWD), Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering and Water Supply (PHE&WS) Department and the Power Department, besides the Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) of Toru, the Dakte Hoj Gram Panchayat Chairperson, Gram Panchayat Members (GPMs), Gaon Burahs and other officials. (DIPR)