The Hindu : National : Flood situation worsens in Arunachal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 19, 2004

National

National

Flood situation worsens in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, JULY 18. The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh worsened today with the second wave of flash floods affecting more than a lakh people.

Half of Pasighat, the oldest town in the State, in east Siang district and many villages under Chowkham, Namsai, Mahadevpur, Sonpura and Piyong circle in Lohit district have been inundated. The breakdown of the Deopani powerhouse has affected the power and water supply systems in lower Dibang Valley.

Most of the major rivers and their tributaries are in spate, flowing above the danger level.

The Deputy Commissioner, Lohit, P.S. Lodhande, said that the second wave of flood had badly affected the district and its headquarters while Tezu remained cut off. "We are trying our best to evacuate the people to safer places using motor boats despite the heavy current in the swelling flood water. The district administration has already requisitioned the help of the Army. If required, we would seek the help of the Air Force for carrying out relief and rescue operations."

Many villages under Mebo circle were also submerged, a report said. Efforts were on to evacuate thousands of Chakma refugees in Diyun circle.

The State Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary, M.K. Parida, along with a three-member team, the Chief Secretary, Ashok Kumar, the Deputy Speaker, Ninong Ering, the OSD relief, Acharya, will visit Pasighat to assess the situation.

UNI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National