Flash Floods Devastate Arunachal Pradesh; One Killed, IAF Joins Rescue Operations
Severe flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall have left one person dead, four missing and damaged key infrastructure, prompting large-scale rescue operations involving the SDRF, NDRF and the Indian Air Force.
ITANAGAR: At least one person has died, four remain missing and 17 others have been injured after heavy monsoon rainfall triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district, causing widespread destruction and disrupting connectivity across several western districts.
The disaster struck on June 24 after intense rainfall led to flash floods in the NEEPCO Colony near Possa (Poosa) village in the Yazali Circle. Floodwaters and debris destroyed or damaged at least 18 residential quarters, with some official estimates placing the number closer to 20. Several vehicles, household belongings and public infrastructure were washed away.
Authorities confirmed the death of 35-year-old Nirmala Gupta, a teacher at NEEPCO’s Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya. Her body was recovered during rescue operations. Four people remain missing, while 17 others sustained injuries, several of them critically. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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The worst-hit areas include the low-lying settlements around the NEEPCO project site in Possa village and the Yazali Circle. Rapidly rising floodwaters inundated residential areas, while landslides caused extensive damage to transport infrastructure.
Major stretches of National Highway-13 have been blocked by landslides, and a key bridge connecting East Kameng and Pakke Kessang districts has suffered damage. Road connectivity has also been disrupted in Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri and Upper Subansiri districts, complicating relief and rescue efforts.
Heavy rainfall over a short period also caused rivers to swell, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts for downstream areas in neighbouring Assam.
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Rescue operations are continuing despite difficult terrain and persistent rainfall. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and district administration are leading search and rescue efforts on the ground.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed specialised teams equipped with rescue boats and emergency equipment, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been assisting by airlifting rescue personnel and conducting aerial assessments, locating stranded residents and delivering relief supplies to inaccessible areas.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), district officials and local volunteers are simultaneously working to clear landslide debris and restore road connectivity.
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Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed grief over the loss of life and said the state government had activated all emergency response mechanisms. He noted that preparedness meetings had been held with deputy commissioners and senior officials before the onset of the monsoon season and urged residents to heed district advisories and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister assured affected families that the government would extend all necessary assistance and expedite restoration work.
Union Minister and Arunachal West MP Kiren Rijiju also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. He said rescue, relief and restoration efforts were being carried out on priority and appealed to residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.
Authorities said the situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to be monitored. Rescue teams are searching for the missing, while damage assessment and relief distribution are underway across the affected districts.
