LIKABALI : Incessant rainfall on June 28 triggered landslides, flash floods and widespread damage to roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure across several parts of Lower Siang district, prompting the district administration to intensify rescue preparedness and restoration efforts.
The worst-affected areas were in the Likabali and Nari-Koyu Assembly constituencies, where road connectivity was severely disrupted due to landslides and flooding.
In the Likabali constituency, the Likabali-Bame Road was washed away at several locations, while a major landslide blocked the Siji River, leading to temporary water accumulation and concerns over possible downstream flooding.
The Dolok River Bridge at Kangku and its embankment also sustained significant damage, while soil erosion and road damage were reported from KN Village, Rate-Germe and Hime. A motorcycle was washed away near the Siji landslide site, though no casualties were reported.
In the Nari-Koyu constituency, a cloudburst triggered massive landslides, mudslides and flash floods, severely affecting 14 villages under Koyu Circle, including Koyu headquarters. Wet Rice Cultivation (WRC) fields, private properties, government infrastructure and public utilities suffered extensive damage.
Road connectivity was snapped in Tabiripo Saku, Loglu, Rotte, Rame, Koyu Village, Rina, Sipo (Hipo), Jate, Kakki, Sipu, Rami Camp, Mane, Lipin and Tene, affecting around 3,100 people from nearly 500 households.
The district administration, in coordination with the district police, the Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), local authorities and community volunteers, launched relief and restoration measures immediately after the incidents. Rescue teams are monitoring vulnerable areas, restoring road connectivity and distributing relief wherever required.
According to the administration, water accumulated in the Siji River is draining naturally and the overall situation remains under control. Restoration work is being carried out on a war footing.
No loss of life or injuries had been reported from either the Likabali or Nari-Koyu areas till the filing of the report. A detailed assessment of damage to roads, agricultural land, public infrastructure and private property is underway.
The district administration has appealed to residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with the authorities and follow official advisories until normalcy is fully restored. (DIPR)
