A series of landslides triggered by incessant rains have severely disrupted surface communication in multiple districts of Arunachal Pradesh, posing significant challenges to local infrastructure and connectivity. The affected districts include Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang, Shi-Yomi, Leparada, and Upper Subansiri.
One of the major routes impacted is NH 13 along the Pasighat-Pangin-Aalo road, where a substantial landslide near Lokpeng and Pangin trijunction in Siang district has completely blocked the road with a massive boulder. Efforts are underway by PWD Highways to clear the debris and restore passage, primarily for light motor vehicles, which have been temporarily halted due to the obstruction.
In Upper Siang district, landslides have severed access to the strategic Tuting subdivision, isolating it from the rest of the district. Recent heavy landslides at Moying and Migging villages have exacerbated the situation, leaving commuters bound for Tuting stranded in Yingkiong, the district headquarters. According to projections from the PWD highways department, restoring the connectivity to Tuting may take up to a week, contingent on favourable weather conditions. Further complicating the scenario, Geku-Mariyang MLA Oni Panyang has inspected critical blockage points along highways affected by recent rains. Significant damage has been observed near Geying village and the Pongging View Point, prompting directives from the MLA to expedite repair efforts in these high-priority areas. Despite substantial damage at Geying village, officials anticipate that clearance operations could conclude within five days under dry weather conditions.
The adverse weather has disrupted water supply to Aalo in West Siang district and caused extensive damages to water supply infrastructure in Likabali township, Lower Siang district. Meanwhile, the Vijaynagar valley in Changlang district remains completely cut off due to multiple landslides and road blockages along the Miao-Vijaynagar road. Residents, including ration card holders, are facing acute shortages and have called for urgent government intervention to restore essential services. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies and improved infrastructure resilience in Arunachal Pradesh. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts between government agencies, local administrations, and communities to expedite recovery efforts and minimize the impact of natural calamities on vital services and connectivity across the region.
