Arunachal flash floods: Search continues for 4 missing, IAF joins rescue efforts

Guwahati: Search and rescue operations continued for the second consecutive day on Thursday to trace four persons who remain missing following the flash floods that struck the Poosa area in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district.

Officials of district administration stated that around five persons were reported missing after flash floods inundated the NEEPCO project colony near Poosa under the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.

During the ongoing search operations, rescuers recovered the body of one of the missing persons, identified as Nirmala Gupta, a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV).


Also read: Five missing as flash floods hit Arunachal Pradesh

The four persons still missing have been identified as Elesh Mara, Balari Marak, Tao Anjina and Sourav Kumar. Over 20 people sustained injuries.

Officials said an under-construction retaining wall collapsed following incessant heavy rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying residential areas in and around the colony. Around 20 houses and residential units were damaged after flash floods, triggered by continuous rainfall since Tuesday, battered the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.

The state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has begun releasing water from the Ranganadi Dam as a precautionary measure in view of the rising inflow.

Power generation at the hydropower project has been suspended.

Disaster management authorities have advised residents living in vulnerable locations and along riverbanks to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the floods and landslides in the district.

Taking to his official X account, the Lok Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the devastation caused by the floods and landslides in Keyi Panyor District in Arunachal Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. The safety and well-being of our people remain our highest priority."

"Rescue, relief and restoration efforts are underway, and every possible assistance is being extended to those affected. We stand firmly with every affected family in this difficult hour,” the Union Minister said.

The Assam government has issued a high alert following reports of heavy rainfall and flash floods in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, fearing a significant downstream impact on several districts of the state.

In view of the continuing heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and rising river discharge, authorities anticipate a substantial increase in water levels and flow velocity in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries across downstream regions of Assam.

The flood wave has affected Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts in Assam.

The Assam government is closely tracking developments following reports of extremely heavy rainfall and flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri and adjoining areas, which are expected to have a cascading impact on downstream regions of Assam.

Assam’s Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta visited Dhemaji, Majuli, Lakhimpur and adjoining areas, where they interacted with affected residents, inspected vulnerable locations and directed officials to strengthen both immediate relief efforts and permanent flood mitigation measures.

Dhemaji remains among the worst-hit districts, with more than 20,000 people affected by floods

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu in a social media post stated, "The Government is closely monitoring the flash flood situation in Keyi Panyor district, and all concerned agencies are engaged in rescue, relief and restoration efforts.

The first road blockage from the Pitapool side has been cleared, restoring access to the affected areas. Stranded tourists and critically injured flash flood victims have been airlifted from Ziro to Naharlagun. The mortal remains of the deceased have also been airlifted to facilitate their return to their families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Ex gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and relief assistance to the injured and affected families shall be provided as per the prescribed government norms. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and follow official advisories."

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed on Thursday to airlift relief materials, including a rescue boat, and transport National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district, where search and rescue operations continued for the second consecutive day to trace four persons missing after devastating flash floods struck the area, officials said.

In a post on X, the IAF said: “In challenging weather and terrain, the IAF launched a helicopter for flood relief operations in the Pitapool area of Arunachal Pradesh. The mission delivered 350 kg of NDRF relief material, including a rescue boat, and inducted NDRF personnel, enabling timely assistance to the local administration and affected populace.”