Severe monsoon-induced floods and landslides have caused widespread devastation across western Arunachal Pradesh, cutting off six districts and disrupting road connectivity, while rescue agencies continue efforts to trace five people reported missing in Keyi Panyor district.
According to an official update issued on June 24, the affected districts include Upper Subansiri, Kamle, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and Keyi Panyor. Major landslides have been reported along the Kimin route at KM 15, KM 21 and KM 23, while damage assessment is underway between KM 30 and KM 40.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified restoration work, and authorities expect connectivity through the Kimin route to be restored by Thursday afternoon. Significant landslides have also disrupted traffic along the ICR–Hoj–Yazali National Highway. The Hoj bridge and junction, crucial links connecting Pakke Kesang and East Kameng districts, have been cut off, with restoration efforts currently underway.
Meanwhile, flash floods triggered by intense overnight rainfall between June 23 and 24 caused extensive damage in the Poosa area near the NEEPCO project under Yazali Circle. According to the State Disaster Management Department, flooding occurred after an under-construction retaining wall collapsed, allowing water to inundate low-lying residential quarters.
Officials confirmed that more than 15 residential quarters were damaged in the incident. Rescue teams have successfully saved one individual, Bishu Sinha, from the Yazali reservoir, while another Geological Survey of India (GSI) scientist was rescued from a stranded location along the National Highway.
However, five individuals remain missing following the floods at the NEEPCO Colony. The missing persons have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46), Nirmala Gupta (35), and Sourav Kumar. Search and rescue operations involving SDRF, district authorities, and local volunteers are continuing.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on alert and is moving towards the affected district to support ongoing rescue efforts. Authorities have also deployed all available vehicles and emergency resources in the Yazali area, while ex-servicemen have joined relief operations.
As a precautionary measure, NEEPCO has temporarily shut down its powerhouse and initiated controlled water release from the dam.
Heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides and road blockages at multiple locations, leaving several commuters stranded along sections of the National Highway near Potin and Hoj. Road-clearing operations have been launched, and the district administration has directed highway contractors to undertake immediate restoration work.
Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta urged residents to avoid travel on routes leading to Ziro in Lower Subansiri district until conditions improve and roads are declared safe.
Expressing concern over the situation, Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the state government remains fully prepared to tackle monsoon-related emergencies. He noted that preparedness measures had been initiated before the onset of the rainy season through consultations with Deputy Commissioners and District Disaster Management Officers across all 28 districts.
“We cannot control nature, but we can remain prepared,” Khandu said, urging residents living near rivers and vulnerable areas to follow official advisories and relocate to relief camps whenever necessary.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, remain vigilant, and refrain from panic buying of fuel, food items and LPG as rescue and restoration efforts continue across the affected districts.
