Arunachal Pradesh Monsoon Crisis: Viral Video Highlights Perilous River Crossing Amid Deadly Floods

Itanagar, June 3, 2025 – A heart-stopping video of a man crossing a raging river on a precarious rope bridge in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has brought the state’s worsening monsoon crisis into sharp focus. Shared by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on X, the footage underscores the life-threatening conditions faced by residents as torrential rains trigger devastating floods and landslides across the Northeast. With at least 10 deaths reported and hundreds affected, the region is grappling with one of its worst monsoon seasons in recent years.

Background: A Region Under Siege by Nature

Arunachal Pradesh, known for receiving some of the heaviest monsoon rainfall in the world, is no stranger to nature’s fury. The state’s rugged terrain, proximity to the India-China-Myanmar tri-junction, and dense river systems make it particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides during the monsoon season. This year, incessant rains have swollen rivers beyond their danger levels, severed critical infrastructure, and displaced communities across 23 districts. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 938 people in 156 villages have been impacted, with the death toll rising daily.

The viral video, filmed in the remote Anjaw district, captures the perilous reality for locals who rely on traditional rope bridges to navigate swollen rivers. These makeshift structures, often the only link between isolated villages, become death traps during heavy rains. The footage has sparked widespread concern, prompting calls for urgent government intervention to bolster infrastructure and disaster response in the region.

The Viral Video: A Glimpse of Courage and Danger

In the 45-second clip shared by Rijiju, a lone man is seen clinging to the ropes of a swaying, dilapidated bridge as turbulent waters roar below. Without protective gear, he carefully inches across the structure, his every move a testament to both bravery and desperation. The bridge, located near the strategically sensitive tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, appears on the verge of collapse, highlighting the dire state of rural infrastructure in flood-prone areas.

Rijiju, an MP from West Arunachal Pradesh, accompanied the video with a message urging residents to stay cautious: “Arunachal Pradesh receives heaviest Monsoon rains in the world. Got this video of a man crossing traditional hanging bridge in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh near tri-junction of India, China & Myanmar border. Please remain careful and safe. Govt will provide necessary support.”

The video has since garnered thousands of views, sparking discussions on social media about the urgent need for safer connectivity and disaster preparedness in the state.

Breaking Down the Crisis: Key Developments

Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons

The SEOC reports that at least 10 people have lost their lives due to floods and landslides. A tragic incident in East Kameng district saw seven members of two families perish when a landslide swept away their vehicle on the Bana-Seppa stretch of National Highway 13. In Lower Subansiri, two laborers were buried under debris while working on a farm, with two others narrowly rescued.

Additionally, two individuals remain missing—one from Assam’s Dispur at Parshuram Kund in Lohit district and another in Anjaw district. Search operations are ongoing, with the Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state forces coordinating relief efforts.

Infrastructure Damage

The monsoon has wreaked havoc on Arunachal’s infrastructure. In Changlang district, flash floods from the Buri-Dihing River destroyed 50% of the Makantong bridge on the Trans Arunachal Highway, severing connectivity between Miao and Bordumsa. Floodwaters have also inundated parts of Miao subdivision, causing significant losses to livestock and horticultural property. Major rivers and tributaries across districts like West Kameng, Papum Pare, and Dibang Valley are flowing above danger levels, exacerbating the crisis.

Government Response

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured residents of comprehensive government support. In a separate post on X, he announced that the Indian Air Force is launching humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in coordination with central and state forces. Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) expressed condolences for the lives lost and urged district administrations to enforce nighttime movement restrictions in vulnerable areas and maintain proactive communication with citizens.

Why This Matters

The viral video is more than a dramatic moment—it’s a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Arunachal’s residents during the monsoon. The reliance on fragile rope bridges underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure, especially in remote border areas. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, experts warn that such extreme events may become more frequent, necessitating long-term investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.

What’s Next?

As rescue and relief operations continue, the state government is prioritizing the restoration of connectivity and the provision of aid to affected communities. The SEOC is closely monitoring river levels and weather forecasts, while local administrations are setting up temporary shelters for displaced residents. Rijiju’s call for caution resonates as the region braces for more rainfall in the coming days.

For residents in vulnerable areas, the message is clear: stay vigilant, avoid risky travel, and rely on official updates for safety. The government’s commitment to support offers hope, but the path to recovery will require coordinated efforts and sustained investment to protect Arunachal Pradesh from the growing threat of monsoon disasters.