Rescue Operations Continue Amidst Severe Flooding in Arunachal Pradesh
Ongoing Rescue Efforts in Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, relentless monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation, prompting rescue operations to persist into Monday. Flooding and landslides have resulted in significant damage to roads, bridges, and homes, disrupting connectivity in at least 12 districts.
On Monday, four individuals stranded on an island in the Siang River in the Dambuk area of Lower Dibang Valley were airlifted to safety by the Indian Air Force.
The heavy rainfall has severely impacted the Roing-Anini road in Lower Dibang Valley.
Impact of Sudden Flooding
The unexpected floods have swept away roads and bridges in various locations. In Anjaw district, a heavy boulder fell on a vehicle involved in highway construction near Sarati village, leading to fears of a fatality for the operator. Due to poor visibility and the risk of falling rocks, the rescue operation was paused overnight and resumed early Monday.
Police from Walong outpost and the air police station are assisting in the rescue efforts. The affected road has been closed to traffic until debris removal is completed.
Severe Disruptions in East Siang District
The continuous rainfall has caused landslides and flooding, severely affecting transportation in East Siang district. Out of 11 major roads impacted, only two have been reopened for traffic, while nine others, including Pasighat-Pangin, Pasighat-Mariyang-Yingkiong, and others, remain blocked or unsafe for travel.
A significant landslide in the Siang region of Lower Siang district has obstructed the flow of the Siang River near Likabali check post, leading to water accumulation upstream.
Warnings and Ongoing Search Operations
Authorities have issued warnings regarding potential dangers to areas located downstream of the river and have advised residents along the riverbanks to relocate to safer locations. By Monday morning, the river's flow returned to normal after the water levels receded.
In Kayip Panyor district, the search for two individuals missing since last Wednesday due to sudden flooding continued into the sixth day. The death toll rose to three after the body of Saurabh Kumar Khairwar was recovered near Hawa Camp in the neighboring Papum Pare district on Sunday. Previously, the bodies of a 35-year-old woman and another woman were found on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively.
The sudden flooding had wreaked havoc in the Nipco Colony in Pusa, leading to five individuals being reported missing.
Widespread Damage and Weather Forecast
Flooding has caused damage to homes and roads, along with landslides in several areas. According to officials, districts including Kayip Panyor, Papum Pare, Kra Dadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, Leparada, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Anjaw have been significantly affected by the heavy rains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, for East Siang, Leparada, Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri, and surrounding districts.