At least nine people have died in Arunachal Pradesh due to flash floods and landslides after days of heavy rain, officials said on Saturday.
In the East Kameng district, a tragic incident occurred on Friday night when a vehicle carrying two families was swept off the road by a landslide near the Bana-Seppa stretch of National Highway-13. The vehicle fell into a deep gorge due to the landslide triggered by relentless rain.
East Kameng Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom said all seven people in the vehicle died. They were residents of Kitchang village in Bana. The victims included the vehicle owner Shankar alias Saju Budi Aka (35), his pregnant wife Tasum Budi Aka (25), their daughter Kachung (8), and son Nicha (4). Another pregnant woman Jajum Yame (33) and her two children, Tushum (5) and Patiya (7), also lost their lives.
Rescue operations started immediately but were slowed down by poor visibility, heavy rain, and fresh landslides. With help from local villagers, the wreckage was found about 150 meters below the road the next day.
In another incident in Lower Subansiri district, two labourers died when a landslide hit a cabbage farm near the Ziro-Kamle road late Thursday night. Two others were rescued safely.
Meanwhile, in Upper Subansiri, flash floods caused the Sigin river to overflow in Daporijo, flooding many areas and damaging over 117 homes and other important infrastructure. Affected areas include Polo Colony, Sigum Rijo, Sigin Colony, Bukpen Colony, and Forest Colony.
District officials, led by Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, visited the flood-hit areas and urged people living in vulnerable places to stay alert and shift to safer areas. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.
In West Kameng district, heavy rain and landslides have stranded hundreds of people at 35 Charai near Jamiri on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang (BCT) road. Roads have also been blocked at Jyoti Nagar, Dirang, Padma, and Durga Mandir. A major landslide in Bomdila damaged roads and power lines but luckily caused no injuries.
Authorities are working to clear landslides and restore road connections. Warnings have been issued, advising citizens to avoid risky areas, stay away from water bodies, and evacuate immediately if needed.
Landslides have also been reported from Kurung Kumey, Kamle, and Lower Subansiri districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain in the coming days, including heavy to very heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning. This could further increase the risk of landslides and floods.
People are urged to follow safety advisories and stay prepared.
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