Within just a few hours, a torrent of water, mud, and debris devastated an entire residential colony. At least three people are missing in a terrifying flash flood triggered by 48 hours of continuous torrential rain in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district. A large residential colony of NEEPCO has been ravaged. Meanwhile, keeping the situation in view, a high alert has also been issued in Assam.
The disaster occurred Wednesday morning in the 43 Kilo area of Pusha under Yachuli circle. Around 6 AM, an under-construction retaining wall collapsed in the area locally known as NEEPCO Project Colony, after which an uncontrolled surge of mud, rocks, and water came rushing down.
According to the district administration, 72.8 mm of rain in just three hours caused river levels in the area to rise to dangerous levels. Soon after, a flash flood entered the low-lying areas of the colony.
Initial estimates suggest 15 to 18 staff quarters have been completely destroyed or severely damaged. The floodwaters also swept away several vehicles.
Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti confirmed that three people, including a woman, are still missing. They are feared to have been swept away by the floodwaters. While rescue operations are ongoing, massive landslides have completely cut off roads on both the Yachuli and Hoj-Potin sides.
The situation has been further complicated by damage to NEEPCO’s helipad, hampering immediate aerial rescue operations. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force are currently trying to reach the disaster-hit area on foot. The National Disaster Response Force has also been kept on alert.
Meanwhile, recognizing the gravity of the situation, NEEPCO has temporarily halted power generation at the Panyor Hydroelectric Project. The process of controlled release of water from the Ranganadi dam has also begun.
Following this decision, anticipating a rise in water levels in downstream areas, the Assam government has issued a high alert for several districts. The administration has also advised the public not to use the road to Ziro via Lower Subansiri district until the weather normalizes.
