MANE, 5 Jul: What should have been a season of monsoon blessings has instead become a nightmare for the people of one of the most remote regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

“The devastating cloudburst and flash flood of 28 June have pushed Mane village and the entire Upper Ramle Banggo region under the Nari-Koyu constituency in Lower Siang district back by nearly two decades, destroying vital infrastructure, livelihoods, and the hopes of hundreds of affected residents,” the Mane Youth Welfare Society (MYWS) stated in a release.

Triggered by incessant rainfall and a sudden cloudburst, the water level rose rapidly, causing massive destruction across the area, it said, adding that three vehicles were swept away, along with several domestic animals, power tillers, and other valuable assets.

 The village’s wet rice cultivation (WRC) fields, which are the primary source of livelihood and food security for every household, were completely washed away, leaving families uncertain about their future.

“The flood also destroyed electricity poles, drinking water supply infrastructure, toilets, bamboo plantations, several houses, and numerous private properties. Roads and other public infrastructure were severely damaged. With road connectivity completely cut off, the villagers have been left isolated and are struggling to access food, medical care, and other essential services,” the MYWS said.

The Nari-Koyu MLA has been closely monitoring the situation. The ZPM of Upper Ramle Banggo and the district administration have also taken serious note of the disaster. The Nari ADC and the Koyu circle assistant commissioner visited the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage, it said.

“On 4 July, the president of the GWS, accompanied by representatives of the apex body, the GYO president, GWS Lower Siang unit, GWS women’s wing, the Ramle Banggo Welfare Society, and residents of Upper Ramle Banggo visited the affected area to express solidarity with the affected families and assess the ground situation,” it added.

However, despite more than a week having passed since the disaster, road clearance work to Mane village has yet to begin. The continued lack of road connectivity has left the villagers stranded, making it extremely difficult to transport relief materials, access healthcare, or restore normal life. While the local administration has been making sincere efforts, the scale of destruction is far beyond what it can handle alone, the MYWS said.

“The people of the Nari-Koyu constituency earnestly appeal to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the chief minister, to urgently intervene and provide immediate assistance. Restoration of road connectivity, drinking water supply, electricity, and agricultural infrastructure, along with adequate relief and rehabilitation measures are essential to help the affected families rebuild their lives,” it said.

The people of Mane village and Upper Ramle Banggo appealed to the government to extend support during this difficult time. “While the affected communities remain resilient and hopeful, they urgently require timely assistance for relief, rehabilitation, and restoration of essential infrastructure. A compassionate and prompt response will go a long way in helping the people rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” the MYWS said.