GUWAHATI: The Arunachal Pradesh disaster management department has alerted the East Siang and Upper Siang district administration against the possibility of flash floods in the two districts triggered by landslides in China and the danger it might pose to the people living along the Siang river in the lower riparian.
The department’s secretary, Bidol Tayeng has alerted the deputy commissioners of the two districts that the water level of the Siang needed to be constantly monitored in the next three to four days as a result of the phenomenon.
“Information originated from China has been received through the Central Water Commission (CWC) that landslides have again occurred in Tibet on October 29. Consequently, the water level of river Siang is likely to rise again on October 30, 2018,” Tayeng wrote to the deputy commissioners.
According to the report, the quantity of water discharged by river Yarlung Tsangpo this time is much less than the discharge between October 17 and 20.
“The discharge of water this time may be half of the amount discharged during October 17 to 20. The discharge may not cause any damage or loss of lives and property along river Siang but the water level needs to be constantly monitored for three to four days with effect from Tuesday,” he said.
Tayeng requested the two districts to alert people living by the river side.
“People should be immediately advised not to venture into the river for fishing, bathing, boating, picnic or any river water related activity. While ensuring that there is no panic among the people on the news, please remain alert and keep watch on the water level of river Siang in your district. You may inform the matter to your superintendent of police, district disaster management officer and water resources department immediately for necessary action,” Tayeng mentioned.
In the wake of the alert, the Upper Siang district administration on Tuesday advised people against venturing out in the river for activities and appealed to them to take precautionary measures and keep vigil till the situation returns to normal.
It may be mentioned that the inundation caused by flashfloods triggered by the rising Siang has affected several areas of the state since decades. The recent drying up of the river and an unprecedented surge the next day has also raised concerns among circles about activities going on across the border, with several farmers bearing the brunt.
Originating in Tibet where it is known as Yarlung Tsangpo, the Brahmaputra flows down to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the lower riparian spread across a drainage area of 712,035 sq km area.