PASIGHAT : An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday carried out an extensive assessment of flood-affected areas in East Siang and Lower Siang districts to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the recent floods and assess the requirement for additional Central assistance.

The team, led by Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Nishtha Tiwari, was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu.

The officials inspected several flood-hit locations, beginning with the integrated farm of Olik Tapok Taloh at Ledum village, where extensive damage to agricultural land and infrastructure was reported. The team also visited Rema Bridge under Korang Circle, Tene Bridge under Koyu Circle in Lower Siang district, and Remi Bridge in East Siang district to assess damage to key public infrastructure and road connectivity.

During the visit, district officials and representatives of the concerned departments briefed the team on the scale of destruction, restoration measures undertaken, and the immediate as well as long-term requirements for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The team also interacted with local residents, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and affected farmers to obtain first-hand accounts of the challenges faced by flood-hit communities.

The assessment team was accompanied by 37th Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner, officials of line departments, PRI representatives, Gaon Burahs and other government officials.

The visiting team appreciated the prompt response of the district administration and line departments in carrying out rescue, relief and restoration works despite adverse weather conditions. It assured that its findings would be compiled into a detailed report for consideration by the Government of India while evaluating the need for additional financial assistance for relief, restoration and reconstruction in the affected areas.

The visit reflects the continued efforts of the Central and State Governments to assess the impact of the floods and facilitate timely assistance for the affected population while supporting the restoration of critical infrastructure.