By The Sampadak Express
The flood crisis in Arunachal Pradesh has escalated dramatically, with continuous monsoon rains affecting more than 33,000 residents across 24 districts. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, at least 12 people have lost their lives so far due to rain-triggered landslides and floods, while search operations continue for one missing individual.
A total of 214 villages with a combined population of 33,200 have been impacted, and major rivers and their tributaries remain in spate though currently flowing below danger levels. The ongoing deluge has also caused extensive damage to property and livestock, officials said.
As per the latest report, 481 houses have been damaged across the state. The floods have also resulted in the death of 432 livestock, including 335 poultry and 97 other animals.
Casualties and Affected Areas
Of the 12 confirmed fatalities, seven were reported in East Kameng district, two in Lower Subansiri, and one each in Longding, Lohit, and Anjaw districts. Nine victims died in landslides, one due to flooding, one in a wall collapse, and another was killed in May when a tree fell during stormy weather in Longding district. Four people have also sustained injuries.
Changlang district has emerged as the worst affected, with six villages submerged and 2,231 residents rendered homeless. Flash floods have destroyed part of the Makantong bridge on the Trans-Arunachal Highway, severing road links between Miao and Bordumsa. Several parts of Miao subdivision remain underwater, with significant damage to livestock, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Tourism and Infrastructure Hit
Popular tourist destinations such as Zupra and River Café near the Noa-Dehing River in Changlang are now submerged. In Balinong under Kharsang Circle, hostels, staff quarters, water tanks, and other infrastructure of the Industrial Training Institute have sustained heavy damage.
The swollen Noa-Dehing River has wreaked havoc on agricultural and horticultural lands in Dharmapur block under Namphai Circle, damaging 17 hectares of farmland and 20 hectares of plantations.
Capital Region Faces Water Crisis
In the Itanagar Capital Region, landslides have damaged pipelines of the Poma water supply project, resulting in a drinking water shortage. Restoration efforts are underway, but officials estimate it will take about 10 days to fully restore the supply. In the interim, water tankers are being deployed to meet public needs.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
Authorities have opened three relief camps, currently sheltering 239 displaced individuals. So far, 2,292 people have been evacuated statewide 2,231 of them from Changlang district alone.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and volunteers working tirelessly on the ground.
