After China alert, Assam districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh told to prevent 'major catastrophe'

In view of the possible flash flood in Assam, districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh has been directed by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to “remain alert” and prevent “major catastrophe”.

China on Friday informed India about a landslide blocking the Siang river in Tibet leading to the formation of an artificial lake. The Yarlung Tsangpo river is known as the Siang after it enters India at Arunachal Pradesh from the Tibetan region and is called the Brahmaputra once it reaches Assam.

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Late Friday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Sonowal and urged him to take all possible measures in the wake of the situation. A spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office in Guwahati said Sonowal had directed the authorities in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Tinsukia districts to remain alert and take all possible steps to prevent any major catastrophe. 

All concerned departments, including the district administration and the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA), have been asked to remain on high alert. And six NDRF teams from Kolkata have been directed to move to the districts.

China has activated the ‘Emergency Information Sharing Mechanism’ with India following the landslide on Wednesday near Jiala Village in Milin County in the lower ranges of Yaluzangbu river in Tibet, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Counselor Ji Rong said.

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”They (China) first informed us on Wednesday about the landslide and creation of an artificial lake. Water is over-topping (breaching). It will reach Arunachal Pradesh and cross the high flood level by Friday night,” the Indian official said.

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