Itanagar: Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, with rescue operations still underway in several districts. Home minister Amit Shah has called upon Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu to take stock of the excessive rain and flash floods in the state, officials said.
The spate of floods and landslides damaged roads, bridges and houses, claiming lives and disrupting connectivity across at least 12 districts.
The death toll rose to three after the body of one more person was recovered near Hawa Camp in Papum Pare district on Sunday. Earlier, the bodies of two women were recovered on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively.
According to officials, the rain fury has so far affected Keyi Panyor, Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, Leparada, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts.
Relief and rescue operations have been intensified across the affected areas.
Flood-like situation also exists in neighboring Assam with Home Minister Amit Shah calling on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and assuring of continued support.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over East Siang and neighbouring districts, including Leparada, Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri and Papum Pare.
Authorities have urged people to avoid travelling through landslide-prone and flood-affected areas unless absolutely necessary and to follow official advisories until the weather improves.
(With inputs from PTI)