Highway Along China Border Washed Away After Massive Landslide In Arunachal

Guwahati:

A massive landslide has washed away a major portion of a highway in Arunachal Pradesh, disrupting road connectivity with Dibang Valley, a district bordering China.

The district witnessed heavy landslides between Hunli and Anini on the National Highway-313 yesterday due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, authorities said.

Videos showed a stretch of the highway missing, making it impossible for vehicles to cross to the other side and posing difficulties for the locals and security forces who consider the highway a lifeline in this difficult terrain.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has mobilized resources to repair the damaged stretches of the highway. Currently, there is no scarcity of food and other essential items.

“Disturbed to learn the inconvenience being caused to commuters due to the extensive damage to the highway between Hunli and Anini. Instructions have been issued to restore the connectivity at the earliest as this road connects Dibang Valley to the rest of the country,” said Chief Minister Pema Khandu in an online post.

An advisory by the Dibag Valley administration said the highway restoration is likely to take at least three days.

In another advisory, the administration asked the people to stay away from landslide zones and water bodies for activities like fishing. It also warned them against travelling at night and cutting earth during the monsoon season.