Yarlung-Tsangpo River Overflowing Blockade; Fresh Flood Feared in Siang River

Guwahati: In yet another major threat to people of Arunachal Pradesh, the landslide that had blocked the river Yarlung-Tsangpo at Milin section in Tibet on October 19, has started overflowing from 9:30 in the morning on Wednesday thus creating fear of fresh flood in the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh.

As per the information provided by the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources, Beijing to India, the Yarlung-Tsangpo started It needs to be mentioned here that, the Central Water Commission (CWC) tweeted that due to the formation of a landslide dam at Milin section of Yarlung Zangpo/Siang, water level at Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh was seemingly falling at a rate of 1 cm/hour as recorded on October 30.

According to the CWC, by 17 hrs, the river was steady at 404.06 m. Meanwhile, Disaster Management Secretary Bidol Tayeng said that, as per the information provided by China, the landslides struck the Milin section of the Yarlung-Tsangpo on October 29, causing a partial blockade of the river.

Tayeng further said that the state is in constant touch with the Home Ministry for more information on the situation from the Chinese government.

“We have asked for more information on the magnitude of the blockade and the size of the lake. We are hopeful of getting more information from satellite or the Chinese side tomorrow,” Tayeng added.

He also said that no detailed information was available regarding the magnitude of the landslides or the lake formed due to the blockade. “The height of the barrier could not be ascertained, which could have provided an estimate of the water collected or the threat of the lake.”

Tayeng said that, according to available information, it appears the landslides are smaller than the landslides that struck the area on October 17.

“The water that has accumulated and a lake formed is also half the size of October 17,” he further said.

Expressing his concern for the people, Tayeng said “the water is flowing down the downstream of Arunachal Pradesh, which is a relief as no big lake is expected to be formed. The slight decline in the river water last night is not a matter of much concern.”

Meanwhile, the disaster management department here has alerted the district administrations of the Siang valley. People have been restrained from going to the river for fishing, swimming, boating or picnic.

On the other hand, the Tuting ADC too has set up a control room to monitor the water level.

However, in a statement made by the Deputy Commissioner, Pasighat, East Siang district has confirmed that it has been estimated that the level of flood water in Siang river will be less the October 20 flood and no major damage or danger is expected.

Meanwhile, the East Siang district authorities have issued a flash flood alert and cautioned people not to venture into Siang and peripheral areas to collect driftwood.

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