A massive landslide caused by continuous rainfall has severely disrupted the potable water supply to Tawang township and surrounding areas in Arunachal Pradesh. The landslide, which struck early on Saturday, damaged critical infrastructure, leaving several localities without access to clean drinking water.
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Damages Key Water Infrastructure Of Tawang
The landslide occurred after relentless rain hit Tawang on Friday evening. The resulting land erosion caused significant damage to the drop inlet headwork, located around 2 kilometers ahead of Bramadungchung Ani Gonpa, which supplies drinking water to Tawang and neighboring areas like Lemberdung, Changprong, and Nyukmadung. According to Public Health Engineering (PHE) Assistant Engineer Doge Kamduk, the severe erosion washed away the essential infrastructure needed to supply water, leaving thousands of residents affected.
Early Morning Landslide Causes Widespread Disruption
The landslide, which struck between 4 a.m. on Saturday, not only disrupted the water supply but also caused destruction near a concrete vertical bund at PTSO. The damage affected the drop inlet and diversion structure, which are crucial for water distribution to Tawang township and its surrounding areas. Among the places affected by this disruption is the Teli Field Hospital, a key medical facility in the region. With no access to potable water, the situation in the township has become dire.
In response to the emergency, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sang Khandu, accompanied by District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Genden Tsomu and AE Doge Kamduk, visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. The DC promptly initiated discussions with the PHE department to coordinate the immediate restoration of water supply to the affected areas.
Volunteers and PHED Workers Join Forces for Restoration Efforts
Recognizing the severity of the situation, local volunteers stepped up to support the restoration efforts. Approximately 30 volunteers from three local markets joined forces with PHED workers to begin the process of repairing the damaged water infrastructure. Their combined efforts were aimed at quickly restoring the disrupted water supply to the township and its nearby localities.
While repair work is ongoing, the PHE department, upon the DC’s request, has deployed water tankers from the Tawang Brigade to supply water to residents. These tankers are currently distributing water to various colonies, ensuring that people have access to clean water during the crisis. However, this is only a temporary solution, and authorities are working around the clock to restore the water supply to its full capacity.
Challenges in Restoration Amid Ongoing Rainfall
The continuous rainfall has made the restoration work more challenging, with the risk of further landslides hindering progress. PHE AE Doge Kamduk explained that the focus is on stabilizing the damaged infrastructure and ensuring it can withstand any future landslides. Despite the difficult circumstances, local authorities remain determined to bring relief to affected residents as quickly as possible.
Local Government Appeals for Support
The local government, under the leadership of DC Sang Khandu, has appealed for more support from the state and central authorities. In light of the frequent landslides during the monsoon season, there have been calls for additional funding and resources to improve the disaster management infrastructure in the region. Tawang’s rugged terrain, combined with heavy monsoon rains, makes it particularly vulnerable to such disasters, and long-term solutions are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the region faces the ongoing threat of landslides and extreme weather conditions, experts are urging for improved disaster preparedness measures. Strengthening the water supply infrastructure and enhancing early-warning systems for landslides are seen as crucial steps in mitigating future risks. In addition, there have been discussions about increasing the deployment of disaster management teams to ensure quick responses in case of similar emergencies.
Community Resilience and Support
Despite the difficult circumstances, the people of Tawang have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Local communities have banded together to support the restoration efforts, and volunteers continue to assist in providing relief to those affected by the water supply disruption. The spirit of cooperation between residents, local authorities, and volunteers reflects the strong community bonds in the region, even in the face of adversity.
While the road to recovery will take time, efforts to restore normalcy in Tawang are well underway. The deployment of water tankers has provided temporary relief, and restoration work is progressing, albeit slowly, due to the ongoing weather conditions. As the local government works tirelessly to rebuild damaged infrastructure, the people of Tawang remain hopeful that their water supply will be fully restored soon.
The landslide has highlighted the need for stronger disaster preparedness in Tawang and other vulnerable regions across Arunachal Pradesh. With the right resources and continued support, the community will likely emerge stronger, better equipped to handle future challenges.
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