Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Apr 25: At least one person was killed and three others injured in two separate tree-fall incidents triggered by heavy rain and strong winds in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday.
In the first incident, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a moving vehicle along National Highway-13 on the Potin-Posa stretch in Keyi Panyor district at around 8 am. The vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner (AR01T7477), was en route to Parsi-Parlo in Kra Daadi district when the mishap occurred.
Deccan Sorang (43), a junior engineer posted at Public Works Department (PWD) Tali Division under Kra Daadi district, was killed in the incident. The driver, Shan Rai (36), a resident of Dhemaji, Assam, sustained minor injuries and is reported to be out of danger.
On receiving information, police personnel promptly reached the spot and carried out a rescue operation. Both occupants were evacuated to Community Health Centre (CHC), Yazali, where Sorang was declared brought dead.
The fallen tree was later cleared, restoring traffic movement along the highway. An inquest has been conducted and further legal formalities are underway, police said.
In a separate incident in Dibang Valley district, three persons were injured after a tree fell on a moving camper vehicle (AR 21 1362) due to high-velocity winds this evening.
The injured have been identified as Asiruddin Ali (35), Rajkumar (45), and Ashraf Ali (14). All were taken to the District Hospital, Anini for treatment. While Rajkumar and Ashraf Ali sustained minor injuries, Asiruddin Ali suffered critical head injuries and was later referred to Dibrugarh for advanced medical care.
The situation in Dibang Valley is being closely monitored by the District Disaster Management Authority under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak.
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while travelling during the monsoon season, especially in areas prone to falling trees, landslides and adverse weather conditions.