Staff Reporter 

Itanagar, May 31: Incessant rainfall across Arunachal Pradesh for the last several days has brought large scale devastation including loss of lives.
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, seven members of two families lost their lives in a fatal car accident caused by a landslide Friday night along the Bana to Seppa stretch of NH-13, approximately 4 kilometres from Bana. The accident occurred around 8 p.m on May 30 last and involved a Maruti Fronx vehicle.
The victims hailed from Kitchang village (Kadeya) Bichom and were traveling together when their vehicle was struck by a massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall in the region.
The deceased have been identified as:
Saju Badi (32) who was driving the car, his wife Thosum Badi (27), their son Nicha Badi (4) and daughter Kumari Kachum Badi (7).
Another victim was Jawum Yame (32), who was nine months pregnant, her 7-year-old son Matia Yame and 10-year-old daughter Tosum Yame.
Local authorities have been informed, and recovery efforts are underway. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, and the local administration has urged residents to exercise caution during the ongoing monsoon season.
Home Minister Mama Natung, who also represents the area, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“It’s very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in my Assembly constituency due to a landslide on NH 13 Road between Bana and Seppa. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I request everyone to remain vigilant and avoid traveling at night during the monsoon season. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
In yet another tragic incident triggered by relentless monsoon rains, a massive landslide struck near the cabbage garden at Pine Grove, Ziro, between 10 to 11 p.m. Friday night, claiming the lives of two individuals — one male and one female — both non-locals.
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local volunteers, worked tirelessly through the night to retrieve the bodies from the debris.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. The incident site has been cordoned off, and precautionary measures are being implemented in nearby vulnerable areas.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to remain cautious as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of further landslides, stated a release from SDMA.

CM mourns loss of life, announces ex-gratia

ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condoled the reported deaths of at least nine people– seven in East Kameng and two in Ziro valley - due to massive land/mudslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains since last few days across the state. 
In a statement here this evening, Khandu expressed grief on loss of innocent lives and prayed for their eternal peace and strength to bereaved family members.
He announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each to the deceased as per laid down government norms and assured assistance through the respective district administrations.
In apprehension of more rains in the coming days, Khandu has called upon the people to remain vigilant and maintain extreme caution. He appealed all not to travel, especially during the night, if not absolutely necessary.
As almost all rivers, rivulets and streams across the state are in spate, Khandu advised all not to venture into rivers and urged dwellers in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations. He assured that the government is keeping a tight vigil on the situation and the departments concerned are on high alert.
“My heart goes out to the departed souls. Our prayers are with them. Let’s maintain extreme caution and remain vigilant to avoid further loss of lives,” he added.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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