Flash flood alert in Arunachal Pradesh after landslide in China's Tsangpo
GUWAHATI: A flash flood alert has been sounded in parts of Arunachal Pradesh after a landslide occurred at the Milin sector of Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet region of China.
After China informed India of the landslide, the Central Water Commission (CWC) twitted on Tuesday: “Due to landslide dam at #Milin section of #Yarlung #Zangpo/ #Siang, water level at #Tuting, #Arunachal Pradesh falling at rate of 1cm/ hr at 10 hrs 30.10.2018...hydrograph appended”.
This is the second time in less than a fortnight that a landslide occurred on Tsangpo which becomes Siang when it flows into Arunachal. Siang, Dibang and Lohit converge in eastern Assam bordering Arunachal to form the Brahmaputra.
On October 19, a similar alert was sounded in Arunachal following the formation of an artificial lake on Tsangpo after a cliff had fallen on a section of the river at the same place.
CWC superintending engineer of Guwahati-based circle office, Ravi Ranjan, said only 1.44 metre of water volume had decreased since 10 pm of Monday to 8 am Tuesday and as such, there was nothing to be worried about.
The Upper Siang district authorities, through which Siang flows, have advised people not venture out near the river.
“It has been intimated by the secretary of disaster management of Arunachal Pradesh that due to landslide at Yarlung Tsangpo in China on October 29, there is a possibility of occurrence of flash flood on Siang. There is also report of unprecedented decrease in the volume of water since last (Monday) night at Tuting…
“In view of the above, the general public of the district is hereby appealed to take precautionary measures to avoid any eventualities. People are advised to refrain themselves from venturing out in the river for fishing, swimming etc till the situation becomes normal. Further, all concerned are requested to keep strict vigil and not to panic or create panic on the issue,” Upper Siang district magistrate Duly Kamduk said in a circular.
There has always been a suspicion among the locals in Arunachal about China’s alleged attempt to make Siang dry through the diversion of Tsangpo waters. The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union recently hit the streets in protest against such alleged activities. It petitioned Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking a water treaty with the neighbouring nation.