The Lower Siang district administration has issued an urgent advisory asking residents on both banks of the Siji River to move to safer locations after a massive landslide at the Siji–Magi Block Point completely blocked the river and formed a temporary natural dam, officials said. Authorities warned that a sudden collapse of the blockage could trigger a powerful, unannounced flash flood, posing an immediate threat to lives, homes, livestock, roads, bridges and public infrastructure downstream.
The Siji River flows downstream into Assam, where it is known locally as the Gai Nadi in Dhemaji district. Continuous heavy rainfall, landslides and flooding in the region have worsened conditions and raised the risk of further instability at the blockage, the district administration said in an official statement.
Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been told to remain on high alert and to follow official instructions. The administration has advised people to stay away from riverbanks, avoid unnecessary travel near the river and evacuate flood-prone areas when ordered. Families have been asked to be ready to relocate at short notice and to move valuable belongings and livestock to higher ground where possible.
Authorities also urged immediate reporting of any unusual rise in water levels, abnormal sounds or visible signs of weakening in the natural dam to the nearest administrative office or police station. The administration appealed to the public not to ignore official warnings or circulate unverified information and asked for wide dissemination of the advisory to maximize awareness.
Lower Siang Superintendent of Police Bomken Basar said the water ponding behind the landslide continues to threaten downstream settlements. He said the district has stepped up communications using public announcement systems, media, telephone alerts and social media, and has shared alerts and coordination messages with counterparts in Assam.
Preliminary reports indicate some water has begun to recede through the right side of the river channel, but officials warned the risk remains and urged extreme caution. Army personnel have been alerted and called in to assist if needed, and all concerned agencies remain on high alert.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-lower-siang-administration-issues-advisory-urges-residents-along-siji-river-to-relocate-amid-flash-flood-threat-1415602-2026-06-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-28 23:52:00
