ITANAGAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a forecast of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh beginning Wednesday, August 19, warning that the weather is likely to remain unsettled across the state on Thursday.
Areas most likely to be affected
The IMD identified a wide stretch of the state as vulnerable to heavy showers. Districts specifically mentioned include Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Changlang, Tirap and Longding.
| Region | Districts named by IMD |
|---|---|
| Western | Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng |
| Central | Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, East Siang |
| Eastern | Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Changlang, Tirap, Longding |
Forecast details and likely impacts
The IMD said the state will see an unsettled spell with rain and thunderstorms on Thursday as well. It cautioned that some areas could receive isolated heavy rainfall, which may cause temporary waterlogging, reduced visibility and disruptions to road connectivity — risks that are particularly acute in vulnerable and hilly terrain.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain alert as heavy rainfall may lead to temporary waterlogging, reduced visibility and disruptions in road connectivity, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas.
Local administrations and disaster response agencies typically monitor such advisories closely because Arunachal Pradesh’s steep slopes and narrow roads are prone to landslides and washouts during intense rain. While the IMD bulletin does not list expected rainfall amounts for each district, the phrase ‘heavy rainfall’ in its communiqués generally refers to significant, often damaging, downpours over a short period.
Practical precautions for residents and travellers
- Avoid non-essential travel in hilly or remote stretches where roads are narrow or prone to landslides.
- Motorists should reduce speed, use headlights and maintain safe distance in low-visibility conditions.
- Keep emergency contact numbers and a basic emergency kit (torch, battery bank, drinking water, medicines) ready.
- Secure loose items outdoors and move livestock and valuables to safer, higher ground if located in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
- Follow advisories from district administration, police and local disaster response teams; avoid crossing swollen streams or flooded roads.
State preparedness and response
The IMD advisory places districts across the western, central and eastern regions under watch, signalling to district officials and civic agencies to step up surveillance of vulnerable locations such as landslide-prone slopes, riverbanks and low-lying habitations. Residents should keep tuned to updates from the IMD and official local authorities for any escalation to red or orange warnings, road closures or evacuation orders.
Power and communications disruptions are a foreseeable consequence of severe thunderstorm activity combined with heavy rain, especially in remote reaches. Schools, health centres and local administrations in affected areas are likely to factor the forecast into contingency planning for the coming days.
How to get official updates
Citizens can obtain the latest bulletins and warnings from the IMD website and authorised state or district social media accounts. Local police control rooms and district disaster management authorities issue area-specific advisories and can be contacted for immediate assistance.
The IMD forecast underscores the need for heightened caution across Arunachal Pradesh over the next 48 hours, especially for communities and road users in the districts listed in the advisory.
