Amit Shah holds phone call with Arunachal CM Pema Khandu amid flood crisis, assures Centre's support

The call comes amid widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and flash floods in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in Keyi Panyor district, where multiple casualties have been reported in recent days. Authorities had earlier confirmed that a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in the region, resulting in loss of lives and extensive damage to property.

Four days after the cloudburst, authorities on Sunday recovered the body of a third victim, while restoration work continued amid persistent rainfall. The Keyi Panyor district administration has also constituted a Verification Committee to assess damage caused to houses and other properties by the flash floods. The committee has been directed to conduct field verification on June 29 and submit its report and recommendations to the Deputy Commissioner.

Meanwhile, the East Kameng district administration has issued a weather advisory warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall from June 28 to July 1, based on the India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s forecast. The administration has cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger landslides, flash floods and disruption of normal life in vulnerable areas, urging residents to remain alert and follow safety guidelines.

Earlier in the day, Amit Shah held a phone call with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, taking cognisance of the flood situation in Dhemaji district of the state.

CM Sarma shared a post on 'X' and informed about the development. He briefed Shah about the relief and rehabilitation measures being taken by the state government to tackle the situation and informed him that the Union Home Minister assured him of all the possible assistance and support from the Centre in the matter.

"I thank Hon'ble Home Minister Amit Shah for his phone call and for enquiring about the flood situation in Dhemaji. I have briefed him on the relief and rehabilitation measures presently underway. He has also assured us all possible support and assistance from the Government of India to deal with this situation," he said.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh has caused the Leku River to overflow, leading to severe flooding in Assam's Jonai region. More than 100 families have been affected, with houses, agricultural fields and livestock submerged. Floodwaters also inundated National Highway 515, disrupting connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the first wave of floods in Assam has affected over 22,000 people across six districts. Dhemaji remains the worst-hit district, with 15,483 people impacted. Floodwaters have submerged 96 villages and damaged around 1,690 hectares of crop area, while affecting more than 48,000 animals. The Disang River is also flowing above the danger mark at Nanglamuraghat in Sivasagar district.

Separately, a railway bridge over the Simen River in Dhemaji district partially collapsed due to bank erosion caused by heavy rainfall. The Northeast Frontier Railway said no trains or passengers were affected as services had already been suspended on the route. Train movement between Murkongselek and Silapathar will remain suspended until further notice, while help desks and bus services have been arranged for stranded passengers. (ANI)