Assam districts bordering Arunachal on flood alert after China's warning
What's the story
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal today directed authorities in districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh to "remain alert" for possible flash flood after China informed India about a landslide blocking a river in Tibet leading to the formation of an artificial lake. Sonowal has directed the authorities in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Tinsukia districts to remain alert and take all possible steps to prevent any major catastrophe.
Steps
6 NDRF teams from Kolkata scheduled to arrive in Guwahati
The Yarlung Tsangpo river is known as the Siang after it enters India at Arunachal from the Tibetan region and is called the Brahmaputra once it reaches Assam. The District Disaster Management Authorities and all other departments concerned have been asked to remain on alert. Six NDRF teams from Kolkata are scheduled to arrive in Guwahati and will move to the districts when required.
Information
Landslide caused due to natural causes
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Sonowal yesterday and urged him to take all possible measures in the wake of the situation. Districts along the Siang river in Arunachal have been put on high alert. The reason cited behind the landslide was "natural causes".
Statements
China had informed India of possible flash floods on Wednesday
Chinese Embassy spokesperson, Counselor Ji Rong, said China has activated the 'Emergency Information Sharing Mechanism' with India following the landslide on Wednesday near Jiala Village in Milin County in lower ranges of Yaluzangbu river in Tibet. A spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said, "They (China) first informed us... Water is over-topping (breaching). It'll reach Arunachal and cross the high flood-level by Friday night."