A three-year-old boy and a 50-year old man were killed while a woman succumbed to her injuries after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst wreaked havoc in Modirijo and Donyi Polo near here on Friday morning. Many others are also missing.
“The body of the boy, identified as Kojom Beyong, was retrieved from Papu Nallah on Friday morning while the corpse of Mohan Bahadur Chetry was retrieved from the Nirjuli area. The woman identified as Yadik Rigio, who was rescued from Donyi Polo with multiple fractures, succumbed to her injuries at RK Mission Hospital,” Itanagar capital complex deputy commissioner Prince Dhawan said.
Five National Disaster Response Force and four State Disaster Response Force teams, along with police and district administration personnel carried out the rescue operations till 5.30 pm today, Dhawan said while adding that the operation would resume in the morning tomorrow.
The missing persons have been identified so far are Rigio Tagung and Mohan Das both from Donyi Polo, and Meri Beyong and Phungpi Beyong from Modirijo.
Incessant rain for two days has left a trail of devastation in the capital and surrounding areas. More than 90 houses have been damaged following the flash floods. Water supply has been badly affected by the rain-triggered landslides and floods.
The approach road to Modirijo has been washed away while a culvert has been damaged in Donyi Polo Colony. The hanging bridge of Press Colony and culvert of Senki view near the water treatment plant were also washed away.
Landslides have been also reported along the National Highway 13 stretch from Potin to Pangin, in Hoj-Potin and some other areas.
Chief minister Pema Khandu announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those in hospitals.
Khandu directed the district administration and the disaster management department for constant monitoring. He directed the chief secretary to personally monitor the situation and shift people from vulnerable areas. Khandu also directed the district administration to conduct proper damage assessment and submit the report at the earliest.
Khandu directed deputy commissioners to be on alert during the monsoon to avoid casualties and damage. He also gave strict instructions to ensure disaster preparedness.
Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein has also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of human lives and properties due to flash flood and landslides in the Capital Complex. Mein summoned DC Dhawan at his office this evening to take stock of the exact situation and instructed the DC, SP Capital and Chief Secretary in-charge, Kaling Tayeng to leave no stone unturned to carry out rescue operations and to provide relief materials to the affected families.