Successful Rescue Operation in Arunachal Pradesh's Sisiri River
Rescue Mission Concludes Successfully
An Indian Air Force helicopter used to airlift four people stranded in the swollen Sisiri River to safety. (AT Photo)
Sadiya, June 29: In a remarkable rescue operation, all four individuals who were trapped in the swollen Sisiri River in the Dambuk region of Arunachal Pradesh were successfully airlifted on Monday after a challenging overnight effort involving various agencies.
The operation faced significant challenges when a rescue raft capsized due to the strong currents of the river.
Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum confirmed the successful rescue and expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the operation.
"With immense relief and gratitude, I announce that all four individuals have been safely evacuated and are now reunited with their families," Apum shared on social media.
He described the rescue as a "miracle," attributing the success to the collaborative efforts of the District Administration of Lower Dibang Valley, local residents, the rafting team led by Zaktum Notko, local elephant owners, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Air Force.
While celebrating the safe return of the individuals, Apum emphasized the need for caution, urging citizens to avoid rivers during heavy rainfall.
The rescue operation took a perilous turn late Sunday when a rescue raft overturned while trying to evacuate the stranded individuals from the Sisiri River.
According to the Department of Disaster Management, seven rescuers entered the river to assist the four stranded individuals, bringing the total number of participants in the operation to 11.
The rescue team successfully located three of the stranded individuals and was returning to the bank when the raft capsized due to a powerful current.
Five individuals managed to swim to safety, while five others were swept away. Two reached a river island, and one became trapped on a log before being rescued by NDRF personnel.
As per the last official update from the department at 10:30 PM on Sunday, four individuals remained stranded on the river island awaiting evacuation.
Out of the 11 people involved in the operation, six had been rescued, while one of the originally stranded individuals was still unaccounted for.
A 30-member NDRF team, along with personnel from the Arunachal Pradesh Police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), continued their rescue efforts throughout the night.
Early Monday morning, an Indian Air Force helicopter was deployed to airlift the stranded individuals to safety.