Arunachal Pradesh Flash Floods Damage Over 15 NEEPCO Quarters; One Woman Reported Missing
Keyi Panyor, June 24: Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and widespread inundation in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district, damaging more than 15 residential quarters near the NEEPCO project in the Poosa area under Yazali Circle. One woman has been reported missing as rescue and relief operations continue.
According to officials, the flash flood occurred during the intervening night of June 23 and June 24 following intense rainfall across the region. The flooding affected several areas surrounding the NEEPCO project site, causing significant damage to residential infrastructure and disrupting normal life.
An update issued by the State Disaster Management Department, based on information received from the district administration, stated that the flooding was triggered after the collapse of an under-construction retaining wall. The breach allowed large volumes of water to enter low-lying residential quarters associated with the NEEPCO project.
Authorities confirmed that more than 15 residential quarters sustained damage due to the sudden influx of water. One woman remains unaccounted for, while preliminary reports also indicated possible casualties. However, officials said verification is still underway and no official confirmation regarding fatalities has been issued.
In response to the emergency, rescue and relief operations were immediately launched. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been mobilised to the affected area, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on alert and is moving towards the district to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Officials stated that all available emergency resources, including reserve personnel and vehicles within the Yazali jurisdiction, have been deployed. Ex-servicemen from nearby areas have also joined rescue operations to support relief measures.
As a precautionary measure, NEEPCO temporarily shut down its powerhouse and initiated a controlled release of water from the dam to manage the situation and reduce further risks.
The heavy rainfall also triggered multiple landslides and caused road blockages at three locations along key highway stretches. Several commuters were reportedly stranded along sections of the National Highway near Potin and Hoj due to the disruptions.
Emergency teams and road clearance machinery have been deployed, and restoration work has commenced to reopen affected routes and facilitate movement.
Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta stated that restoration and rescue efforts are progressing on a war footing. She advised travellers to avoid the route leading to Ziro in Lower Subansiri district until road conditions improve and authorities declare the highway safe for public use.
The district administration continues to closely monitor the situation while coordinating rescue, relief, and restoration activities in the flood-affected region.
