Arunachal flash floods: IAF airlifts NDRF team, relief materials as search continues for missing persons

Itanagar, June 25 (IANS): 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.”

According to district administration officials, five persons were initially 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 on Wednesday recovered the body of one of the missing persons, identified as Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV).

The four persons who remain missing have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46), and Sourav Kumar (48).

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) expressed deep grief over the loss of life caused by the flash floods in Keyi Panyor district and expressed concern for those still untraced. Praying for their safe recovery, the Governor also wished a speedy and complete recovery to those injured in the disaster and conveyed his solidarity with the affected families during this difficult period, an official statement said.

Calling for proactive measures, the Governor directed the district administration and all concerned departments to remain on high alert and strengthen preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season.

He urged officials to identify vulnerable locations, closely monitor weather conditions, and ensure the timely dissemination of advisories to residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

The Governor also instructed the state machinery, disaster management authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to work in close coordination to keep vital road communication networks operational and free from landslide debris.

Maintaining uninterrupted connectivity, particularly in remote and border areas, is essential for the movement of rescue teams, emergency services, essential supplies and public convenience during the monsoon months, he said.

Meanwhile, at least 20 people sustained injuries of varying severity in the calamity, including three who are reported to be in critical condition. The injured were shifted to a government hospital for treatment.

Officials said that an under-construction retaining wall collapsed following incessant heavy rainfall, resulting in 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 amid rising inflows into the reservoir. Power generation at the hydropower project has been temporarily suspended. A few goods-laden vehicles were also damaged after being struck by the flash floods in the affected area.

Mountainous Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past several days, triggering landslides, flash floods and widespread damage to houses and infrastructure across several districts. 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 the 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.”

Meanwhile, the Assam government has issued a high alert following reports of heavy rainfall and flash floods in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, fearing significant downstream impacts 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 is expected to first affect Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur districts before moving downstream to other parts of the state and eventually reaching Dhubri over the next one to two days.

An official statement said that the evolving situation is being monitored at the highest level. 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, the statement added.