Flash Floods Destroy Homes and Leave One Missing in Arunachal

Itanagar: Flash floods slammed into the Poosa area of Arunachal Pradesh early Wednesday. Intense overnight rain battered the region, wrecking more than 15 homes near a NEEPCO project in Keyi Panyor district. One woman is missing after an under-construction retaining wall collapsed, sending water rushing into the low-lying quarters.

Authorities are still confirming the full extent of the casualties. The State Disaster Response Force is on the ground. The National Disaster Response Force is moving in to support the effort. Locals and ex-servicemen joined the search as officials pulled all available vehicles from the Yazali area to help with rescue operations.

NEEPCO shut down its powerhouse to manage the rising water. They started releasing water from the dam in a controlled fashion. Rain also triggered landslides that choked the highway at three different spots. Many commuters remain stranded near Potin and Hoj.

Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta issued a stern warning to the public. She said, "restoration efforts are currently underway and advised commuters to avoid travelling on the route leading to Ziro in Lower Subansiri district until conditions improve and the road is declared safe for movement." Road crews are scheduled to start clearing the debris at 10 am.