Arunachal Pradesh Battered by World's Heaviest Monsoon Rains; 9 Dead in Landslides
Itanagar, June 2 (The Trending People) –
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that Arunachal Pradesh received the heaviest monsoon rains in the world this year, as the northeastern state reels from devastating landslides that have killed nine people and caused extensive damage since May 30.
Rijiju, who hails from the state, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, stating:
“Arunachal Pradesh receives heaviest Monsoon rains in the world.”
He also posted a shocking video of a man crossing a traditional hanging bridge in the remote Anjaw district, located near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.
“Please remain careful & safe. Government will provide necessary support,” Rijiju assured in his post.
Torrential Rains Trigger Fatal Landslides
The continuous heavy rains since May 29 have caused multiple landslides across various districts. On Friday night, seven people lost their lives in East Kameng district and two in Lower Subansiri district. The victims include two women and two children.
In East Kameng, tragedy struck when a vehicle carrying two families was swept away by a massive landslide on the Bana-Seppa stretch of National Highway-13.
In another incident in Lower Subansiri, two labourers working at a cabbage farm near the Pine Grove area on the Ziro-Kamle road were buried under debris. Two others were rescued.
State Responds with Relief Measures
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his condolences and confirmed that Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia would be provided to the families of the deceased.
“All concerned departments are on high alert to respond to emergencies,” the Chief Minister said, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly at night, and to stay away from rivers and water bodies during the current weather conditions.
Ministers Mourn the Loss
Both Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and State Home Minister Mama Natung, who is also the local MLA, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
Rijiju's appeal to remain cautious reflects the growing concern over climate vulnerability in Arunachal Pradesh, which is often exposed to extreme weather patterns due to its geography and terrain.
A Reminder of Climate Risks
With infrastructure stretched thin in remote areas and unpredictable monsoon patterns worsening each year, the tragedy in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the need for disaster-resilient planning, especially in hilly and border regions.
As the state grapples with cleanup and rescue efforts, weather authorities have warned of more rain in the coming days, prompting continued vigilance.