GUWAHATI (Reuters) – A relentless monsoon surge has turned the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh into a disaster zone, affecting 26 districts and displacing thousands. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 94,200 residents in 333 villages are currently grappling with flood‑induced landslides and water‑logging.

Districts Bearing the Brunt

Upper Siang emerged as the hardest‑hit district, recording landslides at 16 distinct locations. It is followed by Siang and Kra‑Daadi, which also saw extensive damage. In the last 24 hours, the districts of Changlang, Upper Subansiri and East Kameng reported flash floods, rockslides and additional landslides.

Human Toll and Property Damage

Four fatalities have been confirmed so far. Three people died on June 24 when a flash flood struck the Keyi Panyor hydro‑power project colony, and a separate landslide in Sarti village, Anjaw district, claimed another life four days later. Two women remain missing from the Keyi Panyor incident.

Agricultural loss amounts to 334.2 hectares, including 185.5 hectares of horticulture and 148.7 hectares of staple crops. Approximately 1,010 hectares of forest land have also been affected. Infrastructure damage is extensive: 131 roads, 19 bridges, 21 culverts, 191 water‑supply systems, 58 government buildings, 21 power lines, 224 electric poles, four hydro‑projects, seven flood‑protection walls, two hospitals and three schools have been reported damaged.

Rescue Operations

The Indian Army and Air Force have mobilised helicopters to air‑lift stranded residents and deliver relief supplies. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are working alongside armed forces to conduct search‑and‑rescue missions across the affected terrain.

Hydropower Projects Under Scrutiny

Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi blamed large hydro‑electric projects in Arunachal for exacerbating the flood crisis in his state, arguing that sudden releases of water from dams during the monsoon season intensify downstream flooding. He warned that fast‑tracked projects, approved without thorough environmental impact studies, are aggravating erosion and flood risks.

While flood levels in Assam have begun to recede, the district of Dhemaji suffered extensive damage due to the June 24 flash floods that originated in Arunachal’s Keyi Panyor. A six‑member inter‑ministerial team from New Delhi is currently on a four‑day tour to assess damage to infrastructure, agriculture and public assets across the region.

The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy‑rain alerts for Lohit, Changlang and Tirap districts on July 8, with thunderstorms and lightning expected. Similar conditions are forecast for Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai and Tirap on July 9, raising concerns of renewed flash‑flood events.

Experts warn that climate‑change‑driven monsoon variability is increasing the frequency of such extreme events. They stress the need for robust early‑warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and stringent environmental clearances for future hydro‑projects to mitigate cascading disasters.