GUWAHATI: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has urged the state government and three members of Parliament from the state to impress upon the Centre to provide adequate relief, rehabilitation and a re-construction package for the natural-calamity-affected state.
Of late, reports of loss of lives and damage to infrastructure and property by floods and landslides have been pouring in from East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai, Papum Pare, Pakke-Kessang, Longding, Lower Siang and Lohit districts.
A delegation from the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Friday visited various areas affected by flash floods and landslides in and around the capital complex region to assess the severity of damage.
The team visited the landslide-hit 6 Kilo (Modirijo) area between Naharlagun and Itanagar where a heavy landslide claimed four lives and damaged many dwelling houses recently. Offering its condolences to the family members of the deceased, the union appealed the state government to extend necessary ex-gratia to the victims’ kin besides aid to the injured who are currently undergoing treatment.
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are predicted across the Northeast including Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to many of the rivers flowing above danger level, there is a possibility of recurring landslides and flash-floods across the state.
“We are of the opinion that a full-fledged disaster mitigation and relief plan should be promulgated at the earliest. Proper evacuation sites may be identified in all vulnerable districts including the capital complex,” a statement issued by the union, said.
“Besides, in the wake of multiple problems, including rising COVID-19 positive cases, time has come for the state government and its agencies to deal with the situation with extreme caution and seriousness,” it stated.