Landslide hits Arunachal; Highway along China border washes away

The road linking Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a district bordering China, to the rest of the country suffered significant damage following a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Landslide hits Arunachal Pradesh

Authorities reported that the district, particularly the stretch between Hunli and Anini on National Highway-33, was severely impacted by the landslide caused by incessant rainfall over the past few days.

The Hindustan Times revealed that the landslide was a direct consequence of the heavy downpour in the area in recent days.

In response to the situation, the Deputy Commissioner of Dibang Valley district issued a cautionary advisory on Wednesday night, urging people to refrain from using the road until repairs are completed and the weather conditions improve. The restoration work is estimated to span at least three days.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to X (formerly X) to address the landslide incident.

Disturbed to learn the inconvenience being caused to commuters due to the extensive damage to the highway between Hunli and Anini. Instructions have been issued to restore the connectivity at the earliest as this road connects Dibang Valley to the rest of the country.@PMOIndia https://t.co/xwiOu7yrJB

— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (Modi Ka Parivar) (@PemaKhanduBJP) April 25, 2024

"Disturbed to learn of the inconvenience caused to commuters due to the extensive damage to the highway between Hunli and Anini. Instructions have been issued to restore connectivity at the earliest as this road connects Dibang Valley to the rest of the country," he wrote on X.

According to a report by NDTV, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has swiftly initiated efforts to repair the damaged sections of the highway. The report also assures that there is currently no shortage of essential items, including food, in the affected areas.

NH-33 vital for Dibang Valley residents, Army

NH-33 holds significant importance as a crucial highway, serving as a lifeline for both the residents of the Dibang Valley district and the Army stationed in the region.

This disruption in connectivity is expected to significantly affect the region, situated in the northeasternmost corner of Arunachal Pradesh and bordering China to the north.

Expressing concern over the inconvenience faced by commuters due to the extensive damage on the highway between Hunli and Anini, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has directed authorities to expedite the restoration of connectivity. He emphasized the critical importance of this road in linking Dibang Valley with the rest of the country.

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