Three Die in State Floods, Chief Minister Announces Ex-gratia

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: At least three persons died while two others have gone missing in flash flood triggered by incessant rains in the past few days, which left a trail of devastation in Arunachal Pradesh capital on Friday morning, police said.

The body of a minor boy identified as Kojom Beyong (3) of Modirijo was retrieved from Papu Nallah area in the morning, while a woman Yajik Rigio from Donyi Polo area, who was rescued with multiple fractures succumbed to her injuries at RK Mission Hospital.

The third body was recovered from Nirjuli area in the afternoon, even as search and rescue operations are going on to trace another two persons who went missing. The person has been identified as Mohan Das who, hails from Donyi Polo area, Capital DC Prince Dhawan informed. Two persons were also rescued who are presently undergoing medical treatment, Capital SP M Harsh Vardhan informed. Twenty Six houses have been totally washed away while over 60 houses were fully or partially damaged at affected sites like Modirijo, Donyi Polo area, Chandra Nagar, Lobi, GSS Police colony, Press colony, the DC informed. Altogether five teams from NDRF and four from SDRF including capital police led by the SP were undertaking rescue operations since morning.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of several lives. He announced the immediate release of ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each to next of kins of the deceased and prayed for early recovery of those recuperating in the hospitals. Assuring all possible support from state government, Khandu directed the district administration and the disaster management department to continuously monitor the situation. He directed the Chief Secretary Satya Gopal to personally monitor the situation and shift the people from vulnerable areas to safer places.