Pasighat: Incessant rain triggered by a cloudburst since Saturday night has caused widespread flooding across East Siang district and several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, damaging roads, bridges, power infrastructure, houses and agricultural land while disrupting normal life.
The Sibo Korong river, which flows between Pasighat town and the GTC/IN College area, overflowed its banks, washing away sections of local roads and disrupting transport. The swollen river also caused extensive erosion, damaging residential houses and other properties along its course.
A stretch of National Highway-13 between Raneghat bridge and Ayeng village was threatened after floodwaters carrying debris from the adjoining hills flowed onto the road. According to reports, Zila Parishad Member Bomken Tayeng deployed a JCB and workers to divert the sudden flow through a culvert, preventing further damage to the highway.
Road connectivity was also affected along the Raneghat-Bodak road after a landslip deposited debris on the carriageway. The debris was later cleared using a JCB arranged by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, restoring traffic on the route connecting Upper Siang district.
Another stretch of road near Remi village under Bilat block along the Pasighat-Ledum-Tene road was washed away by flash floods. Similar damage to roads, bridges, hotels and homestays was reported from Oyan under Ruksin subdivision.
At Koyu and Kora (Korang), located along the East Siang-Lower Siang boundary, floodwaters washed away bridges and damaged several houses in adjoining villages.
Power supply was also disrupted in several areas after electric poles were washed away by floodwaters, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions and the damage caused by the floods, the East Siang district administration has ordered the closure of all schools on June 29 and 30.
District administration officials are monitoring the situation, while residents living in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert until water levels recede and restoration work begins.