Arunachal Pradesh: One dead, 4 missing after flash flood hits Keyi Panyor district
Keyi Panyor, June 25
One person has died while four others remain missing after incessant rainfall triggered a flash flood in the Yachuli area of Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.
The flash flood struck the area on Wednesday following continuous heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruption and damage. Rescue efforts are underway to trace the missing persons, although adverse weather conditions continue to hamper operations.
Meanwhile, road connectivity to Yachuli has been completely severed after multiple landslides triggered by the heavy rains blocked key routes leading to the district. The landslides have cut off access to several areas, posing challenges for rescue teams and local authorities attempting to reach affected locations.
The Arunachal Pradesh government also activated emergency air support and, in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), launched rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Keyi Panyor district after flash floods struck the Poosa area, facilitating the rapid deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and equipment to affected locations.
According to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Arunachal Pradesh, the state's Department of Civil Aviation was immediately activated after receiving information about flash floods in the Poosa area and was placed on readiness for rescue and relief operations.
Acting on a requisition from the Deputy Commissioner of Keyi Panyor district, the Department of Civil Aviation coordinated with the Eastern Air Command (EAC), Shillong, seeking air support for the evacuation and deployment of rescue personnel and materials.
The IAF subsequently launched an air support mission to airlift personnel and relief materials of the SDRF from Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to Pitapool in Keyi Panyor district.
The officials said the IAF team, operating under the guidance of Colonel R. Malhotra of the Ministry of Defence and Group Captain Mukesh Chauhan of the Eastern Air Command, successfully reached Hollongi and proceeded to Pitapool despite challenging weather conditions.
The SDRF team and essential rescue materials were transported to the affected area to support ongoing relief efforts.
Authorities said additional air support operations have been planned to meet further requirements as rescue and relief activities continue in the district.
The Department of Civil Aviation and the Department of Disaster Management expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF personnel and APD Hollongi for ensuring the swift deployment of air support during the emergency.
The Officials also acknowledged the efforts of Keyi Panyor, Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagar, Koto Mehta, the district police, and the Disaster Management team for providing ground support and coordinating operations despite difficult conditions on the ground.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is devastating. One life lost and four missing—my heart goes out to their families. The monsoon in the Northeast can be so unpredictable. I hope the government prioritises better early warning systems and keeps the Poosa area and Yachuli connected, even in crisis times.
Respect to Colonel R. Malhotra and Group Captain Mukesh Chauhan for their quick action! The way IAF airlifted relief materials from Itanagar to Pitapool despite fog and rain shows their dedication. But why does it always take a disaster for us to pay attention to Arunachal's connectivity issues? Every year the same story. 😤
Prayers for the missing persons and the deceased's family. The response from the Department of Civil Aviation and SDRF seems swift, but I'm concerned about road connectivity being completely severed. Landslides blocking routes to Yachuli will only delay rescue—let's hope weather clears soon.
Very sad news. One death and four missing is no joke. What worries me is that each year these flash floods in Arunachal take a toll, and development still lags. The IAF and local administration did their best, but we need to invest in more resilient infrastructure in Keyi Panyor. Kuch toh karo yaar!
Appreciate the transparency in reporting. Recognition to DC Shweta Nagar and the district police for ground support. Hope the missing four are located soon—every life matters. The use of air support for SDRF deployment is a smart move given the terrain.