New Delhi: At least nine people are missing after flash floods triggered by the Sisiri river in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district, officials said, as torrential monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across multiple regions of the state.
Rescue operations faced a major setback when an inflated rubber boat carrying seven members of a search team along with three rescued civilians was swept away by strong currents during the evacuation effort. Search teams have since intensified operations to trace those missing.
District authorities have deployed boats and even elephants in an attempt to reach cut-off and flood-affected areas. The Indian Air Force is expected to join the operation with helicopters early Tuesday to strengthen search-and-rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the overall toll from rain-induced flash floods in Keyi Panyor district has risen to three after the recovery of a man’s body from nearby Papum Pare district. Operations continue in several affected zones as officials struggle against persistent downpours.
Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have caused widespread disruption across East Siang and Leparada districts, where several major road links have been washed away or blocked. Out of 11 critical routes under observation, only two have been partially restored for limited traffic movement.
Key arterial routes, including those connecting Pasighat, Pangin, Mariyang-Yingkiong, and Mebo-Dambuk-Bomjir, remain closed due to landslides and mudslides. Infrastructure damage has been severe, with bridges and road sections washed away in multiple locations, cutting off connectivity in several areas.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from vulnerable slopes and riverbanks.
Authorities continue to deploy heavy machinery for clearance work, though ongoing rains are slowing restoration efforts. Travel advisories remain in force across affected highways, with officials urging strict caution due to rockfalls and land subsidence along key routes, including National Highway 13.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
