Massive landslide blocks flow of Polo river

Arunachal Pradesh government today sounded a red alert following reports of a massive landslide which blocked the flow of Polo river at Polosang last week, reversing the flow of its water toward China.
Disaster management Director Y W Ringu alerted Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner and SP to take steps to evacuate the people living in flood-prone lower belt along Kurung river to safer places to avoid loss of life and property, official sources informed.
Polo is a major tributary of Kurung River in Sarli circle of remote Kurung Kumey district in the state.
Last week a landslide blocked the river flow, which could cause a cascading effect downstream and the possibility of washing away log and wire rope suspension bridges used by the ITBP, SIB and SSB personnel for border patrolling along China.

Kurung Kumey Zila Parishad chairperson Sangha Tagik informed that the drying up of the river bed near the blockade has destroyed aquatic ecosystem which could lead to epidemic.
Muddy water has started dripping from the upper level since yesterday indicating a breach of the artificial blockade, Tagik apprehended.
If the blockade is breached, it could inundate downstream villages (with an approximate population) of Waru (200), Kapu (150), Sharma (200), Chula (100), Palo (60), Wabia (200) and Sarli town with population of 1,200.
Meanwhile, a report from the district informed that three minor girls of Lower Lichella village were swept away by torrential flood water of Kurung river on Sunday and a search operation has been launched to locate them.