GUWAHATI: Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, leaving one person dead and four others missing, officials said on Wednesday, June 24.
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The floods occurred after continuous heavy rain on the night of June 23 and 24, severely affecting areas around the NEEPCO project site in Yazali Circle of Keyi Panyor district. Around 50 houses were damaged in the disaster.
The body of Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya run by NEEPCO, was recovered after a lengthy search operation. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the missing persons, including a 13-year-old child.
According to district officials, floodwaters, landslides and road blockages have cut off large parts of six districts , Keyi Panyor, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri and Upper Subansiri.
Several major landslides have been reported along important highways, while a key bridge connecting East Kameng and Pakke Kessang districts suffered damage. Restoration work is underway with teams from the Border Roads Organisation and the Highway Department.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police personnel and local volunteers are carrying out search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Officials also rescued a man identified as Bishnu Sinha from the Yazali reservoir and evacuated a Geological Survey of India scientist stranded on a highway stretch.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said all 28 districts have been asked to remain prepared for monsoon-related emergencies. He stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and urged people to cooperate with authorities during adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh MP Kiren Rijiju expressed grief over the loss of life and damage caused by the floods and landslides. In a post on X on June 25, he offered condolences to the affected families and said rescue, relief and restoration efforts are ongoing, with all possible assistance being provided to those impacted.