Arunachal Flood and River Tragedies Leave Multiple Dead and Missing

Itanagar: Rescue teams are scouring rivers across Arunachal Pradesh following two separate monsoon disasters that have left several dead. In the Keyi Panyor district, the death toll reached seven after the June 24 flash flood at NEEPCO Colony. Authorities recovered the body of 43-year-old Taw Ajini on July 9 in the Lichi area. She was among those swept away during the initial cloudburst near Possa village.

The disaster also claimed 35-year-old school teacher Nirmala Gupta. Officials confirmed two other bodies were found following the flood, while search efforts continue for others missing from the site. Rescuers previously saved Bishu Sinha from the Yazali reservoir and a Geological Survey of India scientist from the Itanagar-Hoj-Yazali highway. Deputy Commandant Anand Patel of the 12th NDRF Battalion noted the difficulty of the mission. "The NDRF team arrived yesterday and is currently conducting search operations using specialised equipment, canines and boats," Patel said.

Separate search operations are active in the Tirap district. Three schoolboys from Deomali vanished into the swollen Chatjo River on Saturday, July 11, after leaving their hostel. Local residents recovered 12-year-old Paupwang Aana on the same day. Search teams later pulled the body of 13-year-old Ngowang Kakho from the water near Puberan village on Monday. Rescuers are still hunting for 12-year-old Phosam Wangno. Strong currents and heavy monsoon rains have consistently slowed these efforts.

Road connectivity remains fractured. Major landslides have crippled the Kimin route and the Itanagar-Hoj-Yazali National Highway. The Border Roads Organisation and Highway Department are working to clear debris. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department warns of continued thunderstorms and heavy rain through July 2 in Lohit district and beyond. Authorities have issued urgent public safety advisories. Officials demand residents stay clear of riverbanks, nullahs, and landslide-prone zones until the weather clears.