Itanagar/Yachuli, Aug 6: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Thursday visited the cloudburst and flash flood-affected areas of Possa and adjoining locations in Keyi Panyor district to assess the extent of the devastation caused by the June 24 disaster.
The Union Minister was received at the Yachuli helipad by State Urban Affairs, Town Planning & Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja, Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, Keyi Panyor ZPC Nabam Piju, Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, heads of departments, PRI leaders and other senior officials.
During the visit, Nadda reviewed the damage to public infrastructure and interacted with affected families, local residents and officials to take stock of the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.
Expressing deep grief over the loss of lives, the Union Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. "My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic disaster. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with them, and I pray for the speedy recovery of all those affected," he said.
MLA Toko Tatung briefed the Union Minister on the catastrophic cloudburst and flash flood that struck the district on June 24, causing widespread destruction to public infrastructure, private properties and livelihoods. He thanked Nadda for personally visiting the affected areas and expressed confidence that the first-hand assessment would help expedite relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra presented an overview of the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the district administration. She highlighted the extensive damage caused to roads and bridges along National Highway-13, the lifeline connecting six districts of Arunachal Pradesh, and stressed the urgent need for its restoration to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and essential services.
NEEPCO Yazali Head of Project Munin Choudhary apprised the Union Minister of the unprecedented damage caused to the NEEPCO Colony and project infrastructure by the flash floods and outlined the challenges involved in restoring operations.
Interacting with affected families and local residents, Nadda listened to their grievances and assured them that the Government of India stands firmly with the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He reiterated the Centre's commitment to extending all possible assistance for rebuilding damaged infrastructure, rehabilitating affected families and restoring normalcy at the earliest.
Later in the day, Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting in Itanagar with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Ministers, MLAs and senior administrative officers to assess the overall situation following his visit to the disaster-hit areas.
During the meeting, the Union Minister directed all concerned departments to intensify ongoing relief, rehabilitation and healthcare measures to effectively address the needs arising in the aftermath of the disaster. He reviewed the progress of rescue and restoration efforts and stressed the importance of coordinated action to ensure timely assistance reaches every affected family.
Reaffirming the Centre's commitment to Arunachal Pradesh, Nadda said in a social media post: "Under the compassionate leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the Government of India stands firmly with the people of Arunachal Pradesh. I assure every affected family that PM Modi Ji is fully committed to extending every possible support, and the Central Government will leave no stone unturned in its relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts."
He further stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Central Government, in close coordination with the State Government, will continue to provide swift relief, financial assistance and all necessary support until normalcy is fully restored.
The June 24 cloudburst and flash floods caused extensive damage in Keyi Panyor district, washing away houses, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure while severely affecting the lives and livelihoods of many families. Relief, rehabilitation and restoration works are currently underway with coordinated efforts by the State Government, Central agencies and disaster response teams.
The Union Minister's visit underscores the Centre's continued commitment to closely monitoring the post-disaster situation and ensuring timely support for relief, rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction in Keyi Panyor district.