Arunachal flash flood: Search on for 4 missing; Assam sounds high alert over downstream impact
Itanagar, June 25
Search and rescue operations continued for the second consecutive day on Thursday to trace four persons who remain missing following the devastating flash floods that struck the Poosa area in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district, officials said.
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 afternoon recovered the body of one of the missing persons, identified as Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV).
The four persons still missing have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46), and Sourav Kumar (48).
At least 20 people sustained injuries of varying severity in the calamity, including three who are reported to be in critical condition. They were shifted to the government hospital.
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 temporarily suspended. A few goods-laden vehicles were also damaged or 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 multiple 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 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.
Meanwhile, 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 is expected to first affect Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts before moving further downstream to other parts of the state and eventually reaching Dhubri over the next one to two days.
The statement said that the evolving situation was 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.
— IANS
Reader Comments
We need to seriously ask why NEEPCO is releasing water from the dam only after the flood has occurred. Shouldn't there be a better early warning system to avoid such devastation? 20 houses damaged in a single colony is no joke.
I've been to Arunachal once, beautiful state but so vulnerable to these natural calamities. The government should invest more in flood forecasting and disaster preparedness rather than just reacting after the damage is done. Sad news about the teacher and others.
Assam should be on high alert indeed. Living in the downstream areas we've seen how a sudden flood wave from Arunachal can wash away everything. The Brahmaputra basin needs coordinated disaster management between states. Let's hope the missing are found safely.
Nirmala ma'am being a teacher makes it even more tragic. Our educators work in remote areas like this and yet face such risks. Why is the retaining wall still under construction? Should have been completed before monsoon. So sad. 😢
I appreciate Kiren Rijiju ji's quick response on social media, but actions speak louder than tweets. The affected families need immediate financial compensation, not just condolences. Also, why is power generation suspended? That will affect many more people in the region.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.