Devastating Landslides and Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Strategic Insights -

At least nine people lost their lives in Arunachal Pradesh over the past two days as relentless rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods across the hilly state. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the incident began late Friday night when a landslide swept a vehicle carrying seven members of two families off National Highway 13 in East Kameng district. Rescue efforts were hampered by incessant rain and treacherous conditions, with teams locating the wreckage about 150 meters below the highway and finding all seven occupants dead. The deceased include 35-year-old vehicle owner Shankar alias Saju Budi Aka, his pregnant wife Tasum Budi Aka (25), and their three young children, as well as two other pregnant women and their children. In a separate landslide on Thursday night, two laborers were killed at a cabbage farm in Lower Subansiri district, while two others were rescued from the debris.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least nine people lost their lives in Arunachal Pradesh due to landslides and flash floods triggered by relentless rainfall.
  • A landslide on National Highway 13 in East Kameng district swept a vehicle carrying seven people, with all occupants found dead.
  • The deceased include 35-year-old vehicle owner Shankar alias Saju Budi Aka, his pregnant wife Tasum Budi Aka (25), and their three young children.
  • Two laborers were killed in a separate landslide on Thursday night at a cabbage farm in Lower Subansiri district.
  • Two others were rescued from the debris in the cabbage farm landslide.
  • Authorities have issued alerts across vulnerable regions of the state and are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with officials warning that more landslides could occur if the weather continues to deteriorate.

Statistics:

  • At least nine people have lost their lives in Arunachal Pradesh due to landslides and flash floods.
  • 117 houses were affected due to inclement weather conditions in Upper Subansiri district.
  • Hundreds of people are stranded at 35 Charai near Jamiri, along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang (BCT) road in West Kameng district.
  • Road blockades have been reported at several locations in West Kameng district.

Sources:

  • A report by the India News Desk confirming that at least nine people lost their lives in Arunachal Pradesh due to landslides and flash floods.
  • Statements by Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom regarding the landslide on National Highway 13.
  • Reports by District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Mindu Yangzom and Deputy Superintendent of Police Ojing Lego regarding the landslides and flash floods.
  • A forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting widespread rainfall due to a depression over Bangladesh.