Three people were reported missing and at least 18 residential units were damaged after incessant rain triggered flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday, while landslides blocked sections of a national highway and stranded several commuters.
State Disaster Management Secretary Dani Sulu said the flash floods occurred at the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) project colony near Poosa under the Yazali circle after heavy rainfall inundated low-lying areas.
According to Sulu, an under-construction retaining wall collapsed due to the downpour, allowing a large volume of water to enter nearby residential areas.
“At least 18 residential units got damaged, and three persons were reportedly missing,” he said.
The district administration immediately launched rescue and assessment operations. The additional deputy commissioner, deputy superintendent of police and circle officer were directed to reach the affected site to coordinate relief efforts.
A team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been alerted and is moving towards the area to assist in rescue and relief operations.
Sulu said all available reserve personnel and vehicles within the Yazali jurisdiction had been mobilised. Ex-servicemen have also been called in to support emergency operations.
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As a precautionary measure, Neepco has begun releasing water from the Ranganadi dam, while power generation at the project has been temporarily suspended.
The heavy rainfall also disrupted road connectivity in the district. Landslides blocked three stretches of the highway near Potin and Hoj, leaving several travellers stranded.
Authorities said machinery and other resources have been positioned at vulnerable locations, and the highway contractor has been instructed to clear debris and restore vehicular movement at the earliest.
Search operations and damage assessment were continuing till the filing of this report, with officials indicating that the full extent of the losses was yet to be determined.
Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed persistent rainfall over the past several days, resulting in landslips, flash floods and damage to infrastructure across multiple districts.
Disaster management authorities have urged residents living in vulnerable zones and along riverbanks to remain alert, follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
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