Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 24 Jun: One person is reported dead while four others are missing after a flash flood hit the 43 NEEPCO Colony near 405 MW Panyor hydroelectric plant.
The person who lost her life in the flash flood has been identified as 35-year-old Nirmala Gupta, a teacher. The Head of Project, NEEPCO has informed that 17 persons have sustained injuries, including three in critical condition. The critically injured patients have been evacuated to Ziro by ambulance; however, due to a road blockage at Pitapool, they were manually carried across the affected stretch before being transported further for medical care.
The missing individuals have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46), Nirmala Gupta (35), and Sourav Kumar. The missing persons are yet to be traced, and search and rescue operations are continuing, informed Keyi Panyor SP Angad Mehta.
The SP further said that torrential rain-triggered flash floods have affected six districts-Keyi Panyor, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, and Upper Subansiri-which have been cut off from the rest of the state due to widespread monsoon-related disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.
Major landslides have been reported along the Kimin route at KM 15, KM 21, and KM 23, with damage assessment underway between KM 30 and KM 40. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified restoration efforts, and connectivity through the Kimin route is expected to be restored by Thursday afternoon, he added.
Landslides have also blocked the ICR-Hoj-Yazali stretch of the National Highway. The Hoj bridge and junction, a vital link between Pakke Kessang and East Kameng districts, remain cut off. Restoration work is progressing rapidly, with authorities anticipating the restoration of connectivity by Thursday evening.
The highway department is working round the clock to clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure.
In rescue operations, teams comprising personnel from the Keyi Panyor district police and the State Disaster Response Force successfully rescued Bishu Sinha from the Yazali reservoir. A Geological Survey of India scientist was also rescued from the National Highway stretch, the SP release informed.
Meanwhile, Papum Pare deputy commissioner Lobsang Tsering visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation and review the ongoing restoration and relief measures. He directed departments concerned to expedite restoration works and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
The public health engineering department reported temporary disruption of water supply in Yupia headquarters, Doimukh township, and Kimin headquarters due to pipeline damage.
Several villages, including Yiyee-I, Yiyee-II, Luksin, Hoj Dakte, and Mepsoro in Sagalee circle have been affected by flooding and landslides. Affected families have been shifted to nearby households for safety. Initial assessment reports indicated damage to at least 10 dwellings and one church in Toru circle.
Floods also caused extensive damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, including pineapples, bananas, oranges, as well as fish ponds.
The District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) has been monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Departments including Highway, Police, Power, and Agriculture have been alerted for immediate action and restoration work. Volunteers have also been mobilized for assessment and relief measures.
The report further stated that heavy discharge of water from the Pare dam is continuing. According to records maintained by the Pare control room, the present discharge is the heaviest recorded from the dam so far.
District authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
The DEOC has released helpline numbers for DEOC control room (9485236652), O/C Doimukh (8974154089), NDRF Control room (9485235465), Pare Hydro Power control room (6909369982).
Meanwhile, on receiving information of flash floods in Posa area, the Civil Aviation department was immediately activated and kept in readiness for relief and rescue operations.
Following a request from the Keyi Panyor DC, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was requested through the Eastern Air Command based in Shillong for rescue operations for airlifting a SDRF team and materials team from Itanagar Capital Region to Pitapool in Keyi Panyor district, civil aviation secretary M. Riba said.
The IAF Air support team reached Hollongi and took off for Pitapool to drop SDRF team and materials, despite inclement weather.
Further air support is being planned subject to requirements.
The department of civil aviation and the department of disaster management secretary Dani Salu thanked IAF, SDRF and APD Hollongi for the swift air support, and Keyi Panyor DC Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, the SP and DDM team for ground support.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP-elect Tai Tagak has expressed profound sorrow and concern over the unprecedented devastation caused by flash floods, which have left a trail of destruction.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, he urged the authorities to continue closely monitoring vulnerable locations and ensure that all necessary assistance and support are extended to those impacted by the disaster.
He lauded the prompt response of the district administration, police personnel, disaster management agencies, and local leaders for their swift and coordinated efforts in carrying out rescue, relief, and restoration operations. He commended their dedication and tireless service in safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy in the affected areas. (With DIPRO inputs)
Papum Pare travel advisory
SAGALEE, 24 Jun: The Additional District Magistrate, Sagalee Kipa Raja has issued a travel advisory following heavy landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Papum Pare district.
According to the advisory, the NH-13 road between Sagalee and Hoj Junction Point and the NH-713A road between Potin and Dakte-Hoj Bridge Point have been completely blocked at multiple locations due to landslides and flash floods.
The administration has appealed to commuters from East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, West Kameng, and Tawang districts to avoid travelling through the affected stretches until the road condition improves and further updates are issued.
The administration has issued emergency contact numbers of officials concerned and executing agencies for public assistance. The contact details are: Gollo Hania, i/c SUSHEE Infra & Mining Ltd (9612559338), Project Manager, SUSHEE Infra & Mining Ltd (9963447214), Deputy Project Manager, SUSHEE Infra & Mining Ltd (6001797083), Assistant Engineer, Ziro Highway Division PWD (9402209643, 690929844), Junior Engineer, Ziro Highway Division PWD (8132895997), Circle Officer, Toru (9108693960). (DIPRO)
