Heavy rain wreaks havoc in Arunachal Pradesh; several homes damaged, 3 missing

ITANAGAR: Three people were reported missing after flash floods triggered by incessant rain inundated low-lying areas and damaged residential units in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday, while landslides disrupted road connectivity and stranded several people, officials said.The flash floods struck the Neepco project colony near Poosa under the Yazali circle after an under-construction retaining wall collapsed following heavy rainfall, state disaster management secretary Dani Sulu said.A large volume of water entered low-lying residential areas in and around the colony, damaging at least 18 residential units."At least 18 residential units got damaged, and three persons were reportedly missing," Sulu said.The administration directed the additional deputy commissioner, deputy superintendent of police and the circle officer to rush to the affected site to assess the situation and coordinate rescue operations."A team of SDRF has been deployed, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been alerted and is moving towards the area to assist in relief and rescue efforts," Sulu said.According to officials, all available reserve personnel and vehicles have been mobilised within the Yazali jurisdiction, while ex-servicemen have also been called in to support emergency operations.The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) has started releasing water from the Ranganadi dam as a precautionary measure.

Power generation at the project has been temporarily suspended, officials said.Heavy rainfall also affected road connectivity in the district.

Three stretches of the national highway near Potin and Hoj were blocked following landslides, leaving several people stranded.Resources and machinery have been positioned for rescue and restoration work, while the highway contractor has been directed to clear debris and restore vehicular movement at the earliest.Search and assessment operations were continuing in the affected areas, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained, Sulu added.Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past several days, triggering flash floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across multiple districts.Disaster management authorities have advised residents living in vulnerable areas and along riverbanks to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.Stay updated with the latest Itanagar news.

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