Unexpected Cloudburst Triggers Landslides and Flooding in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd June 2024
A sudden cloudburst on Sunday morning led to multiple landslides and severe flooding in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, creating significant disruption and hazardous conditions, officials reported.
The region had been grappling with heavy rainfall for several weeks, but weather conditions had recently shown signs of improvement, with no rain forecasted for Sunday. Despite these forecasts, the cloudburst struck unexpectedly around 10:30 am, resulting in extensive damage and chaos.
The Disaster Management Department highlighted that several sections of NH-415, a vital highway for Itanagar residents, were severely affected, experiencing near flood-like conditions. This situation left numerous vehicles stranded along the highway, compounding the difficulties faced by residents and travelers.
In light of the crisis, the district administration quickly issued warnings, urging residents to avoid rivers and areas prone to landslides. They strongly advised people to relocate to safer locations to mitigate the risks associated with the ongoing heavy rains.
To support those displaced by the disaster, the district administration established seven relief camps. These camps are providing shelter and necessary assistance to affected individuals, ensuring they have a safe place to stay amid the crisis.
The unexpected cloudburst has underscored the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the region, highlighting the need for preparedness and prompt response in the face of natural disasters. The administration’s swift action in setting up relief camps and issuing safety warnings has been crucial in managing the immediate aftermath and ensuring the safety of the residents.
As the region continues to deal with the consequences of the cloudburst, the focus remains on providing relief and support to those affected while monitoring weather conditions closely to prevent further incidents. The Disaster Management Department and local authorities are working tirelessly to clear the stranded vehicles and restore normalcy to the affected areas, emphasizing the importance of community safety and resilience in times of unexpected natural calamities.
