Arunachal Pradesh is reeling under the impact of a severe monsoon onslaught, with relentless rains triggering destructive floods and landslides across several districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert in multiple areas, including Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, Siang, Shi Yomi, Kra Daadi, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Namsai, and Lohit, as weather conditions continue to deteriorate. One of the worst-affected regions is Upper Subansiri district, where the Sigin River has overflowed, leading to the flooding of more than 80 homes in Daporijo town. Public infrastructure, including roads and bridges, lies submerged, disrupting movement and isolating several localities. The National Highway 13, which connects Raga to Daporijo and is known for its landslide vulnerability, has also been partially cut off due to fresh slips.
Picturesque Ziro Valley, a popular tourist destination, has not been spared either. The valley is now waterlogged, and vast stretches of farmland have been destroyed. Paddy crops, the mainstay of the region’s agriculture, have suffered extensive losses as nearby rivers breached their banks. In the twin capital towns of Itanagar and Naharlagun, urban flooding has brought life to a standstill. Commuters struggled as roads turned into streams, and low-lying areas bore the brunt of rising waters. Many residents expressed anger over unregulated urban expansion and blamed the recently developed Trans-Arunachal Highway for worsening the crisis. Blocked natural drainage channels and poorly planned landfills have only added to the problem. In Changlang district, a concrete bridge over the Buri Dihing River near Magantong is under threat due to dangerously high water levels. Tezu in Lohit district remains on edge, with the administration issuing warnings amid predictions of heavier downpours. Residents have been strongly advised against venturing near flooded zones, especially in areas like Machawara Camp, where children and youth have been spotted fishing in rising waters despite repeated warnings.
Emergency responses have been activated in full swing. Deputy Commissioners of various districts have issued advisories and prohibitory orders, urging vulnerable communities to relocate to safer locations. Disaster response forces, local police, and civil administration are working in coordination to manage relief and rescue efforts. According to the IMD, the current weather pattern is driven by a low-pressure system hovering over Northeast India, which has extended the intensity of the monsoon in Arunachal. The department has warned of more thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning over the next few days. A Multi-Hazard Warning remains in force across the state.
