HM Amit Shah speaks to Arunachal CM, reviews flood situation
Itanagar, June 29
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him to review the flood situation in the state, which has been battered by incessant monsoon rains and the resulting floods over the past week.
In social media posts, the Chief Minister said he expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for calling him to take stock of the flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh.
He said he briefed Shah on the evolving situation and the ongoing relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, adding that he appreciated the prompt concern and commitment towards the welfare of the people of the state.
Thousands of people across 12 of Arunachal Pradesh's 28 districts have been affected to varying degrees as floods triggered by incessant monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across the state on Monday.
A disaster management official said the death toll from the rain-triggered flash floods since June 23 in the worst-affected Keyi Panyor district has risen to three after rescuers recovered the body of a 48-year-old man on Sunday. The third victim was identified as Saurabh Kumar Kharwar (48). His body was recovered near Hawa Camp in the adjoining Papum Pare district.
Earlier, the bodies of a 35-year-old woman and another woman were recovered on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. Two other people, including a minor, are still missing.
Around 20 houses and residential structures were damaged after flash floods, triggered by continuous rainfall since June 23, battered the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.
Rescue operations are underway in the 12 affected districts, where floods and landslides have damaged roads, bridges and houses, claimed lives and disrupted surface connectivity. The exact number of casualties from the rains and floods has not yet been officially confirmed, as authorities continue to collect and verify details from affected districts.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday virtually reviewed the flood situation across the state. Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, Director General of Police S.D. Singh Jamwal and senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the review meeting.
In a post on social media, Khandu said he held a virtual review meeting on the Keyi Panyor flash flood with the Deputy Commissioners of Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Lower Subansiri, Keyi Panyor, and Kamle, in the presence of the Chief Secretary, the DGP, and officials from the concerned departments.
He said they reviewed the ongoing relief, rescue, road restoration, medical response and the availability of essential supplies, while discussing measures to ensure timely assistance and the early restoration of normalcy. The Government remains committed to extending all possible support to the affected communities, he added.
In another Facebook post, Khandu, quoting the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said Arunachal Pradesh is likely to experience widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning till July 1, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several districts.
He said there is a possibility of landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, uprooting of trees and disruption to road traffic, power and communication services, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister urged people to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel to landslide- and flood-prone areas, follow advisories issued by the local administration and keep track of official weather updates.
Meanwhile, demonstrating its commitment to nation-building and humanitarian assistance, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored the crucial Kimin-Potin road within just 36 hours after torrential monsoon rains, flash floods and landslides caused widespread devastation in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor and Papum Pare districts.
Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said incessant rainfall had triggered multiple landslides and major formation breaches along the 45-km road stretch, washing away sections of the roadway and burying several portions under mud, boulders and uprooted trees. The disruption completely halted vehicular movement and snapped connectivity to key locations, including Potin, Yazali, Yachuli, Joram and Ziro, he added.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed on June 25 to airlift relief materials, including a rescue boat, and transport National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to the flood-hit Keyi Panyor district.
The districts badly affected by the floods include Keyi Panyor, Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, Leparada and Lower Siang.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the Centre and state govt working together during this crisis. CM Pema Khandu leading from the front and HM Shah personally calling shows they care. But I'm worried about the 2 missing persons - hope they are found safe soon. Also, the IAF and NDRF deployment is commendable. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
Every year same story - floods in Assam, Arunachal, Bihar. Why can't we have a proper national disaster management plan that works proactively instead of reactively? 12 districts affected, 20 houses damaged, and roads washed away. The BRO did a good job restoring that road in 36 hours, but what about the 2 missing people? 😔
Proud of our armed forces and BRO for the quick response in such challenging terrain. The IAF helicopter airlifting rescue boats and NDRF personnel is exactly the kind of coordination we need. But I urge the state government to focus on relocating people from flood-prone areas to safer zones permanently, not just temporary relief every year. Stay safe Arunachal! 🙏
While I appreciate the CM and HM's response, I can't help but think about the ordinary people who lost their homes and livelihoods. A 48-year-old man and two women dead - each life matters. I hope the compensation reaches the affected families quickly without bureaucratic delays. Also, why is the death toll still "not officially confirmed"? This needs transparency.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.