An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed on Thursday, 25 June to airlift 350 kg of relief materials — including a rescue boat — and transport National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh, as search and rescue operations entered their second consecutive day for four persons still missing after devastating flash floods struck the region. At least 20 people sustained injuries, with three reported to be in critical condition.

IAF Mission and Relief Operations

The IAF confirmed the deployment in a post on X, stating that the helicopter was launched for flood relief operations in the Pitapool area of Arunachal Pradesh. The mission delivered NDRF relief material and inducted NDRF personnel, enabling, as the IAF described it, 'timely assistance to the local administration and affected populace.' The operation was conducted under challenging weather and terrain conditions.

According to district administration officials, flash floods inundated the NEEPCO project colony near Poosa under the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district following incessant heavy rainfall since Tuesday. An under-construction retaining wall collapsed under the deluge, causing severe waterlogging in low-lying residential areas. Around 20 houses and residential units were damaged, and several goods-laden vehicles were also struck by the floodwaters.

Missing Persons and Fatality

Five persons were initially reported missing after the floods. Rescuers on Wednesday recovered the body of Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV). The four persons who remain untraced have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46), and Sourav Kumar (48). The injured were shifted to a government hospital for treatment.

Governor's Directives and Official Response

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) expressed deep grief over the loss of life and concern for those still untraced. He directed the district administration and all concerned departments to remain on high alert and strengthen preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season. The Governor urged officials to identify vulnerable locations, monitor weather conditions closely, and ensure timely dissemination of advisories to residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

He also instructed the state machinery, disaster management authorities, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to work in close coordination to keep vital road communication networks operational and free from landslide debris — particularly in remote and border areas essential for the movement of rescue teams and emergency services.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Lok Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, posted on his official X account expressing grief over the loss of lives. 'Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the devastation caused by the floods and landslides in Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh,' he wrote, adding that rescue, relief, and restoration efforts were underway and every possible assistance was being extended to affected families.

NEEPCO Dam and Infrastructure Impact

The state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has begun releasing water from the Ranganadi Dam as a precautionary measure amid rising inflows into the reservoir. Power generation at the hydropower project has been temporarily suspended. Mountainous Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past several days, triggering landslides, flash floods, and widespread damage to houses and infrastructure across several districts.

Downstream Alert in Assam

The Assam government has issued a high alert following reports of heavy rainfall and flash floods in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, fearing significant downstream impacts. Authorities anticipate a substantial increase in water levels and flow velocity in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The flood wave is expected to first affect Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur districts before moving downstream and eventually reaching Dhubri over the next one to two days. The evolving situation is being monitored at the highest level, according to an official statement.

Disaster management authorities have advised residents in vulnerable locations and along riverbanks across both states to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement as the monsoon season intensifies.