Itanagar: The death toll from the devastating flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district has risen to three after rescuers recovered the body of a missing man on Sunday. Authorities continue search operations for two more missing persons as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more than 200 mm of rainfall in parts of the state over the next 24 hours, raising concerns over fresh floods and landslides.

State Disaster Management Secretary Dani Sulu confirmed that the body of Saurabh Kumar Kharwar was recovered near Hawa Camp in neighbouring Papum Pare district, approximately 35 km from the flood-ravaged Poosa area. A rescue team has been sent to retrieve the body.

The latest recovery comes days after five people were reported missing when flash floods, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, struck Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday morning. With three bodies now recovered, two people are still missing, and rescue teams remain engaged in an extensive search operation.

Rescue operations enter fifth day

Search and rescue efforts entered their fifth consecutive day on Sunday, involving personnel from multiple agencies. Officials said one rescue team launched raft operations from the dam side of the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project, while another ground team continued combing affected areas for the remaining missing persons.

To strengthen the ongoing operation, an additional 23 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to Keyi Panyor district on Sunday.

Authorities remain hopeful of locating the missing individuals despite difficult weather conditions and damaged infrastructure, which continue to hamper rescue efforts.

Relief materials being airlifted

The Indian Red Cross Society’s Arunachal Pradesh State Branch has also stepped in to assist affected residents by dispatching relief materials to the flood-hit region.

According to officials, the supplies are scheduled to be airlifted from Naharlagun helipad to Possa via Ziro using an MI-17 civil aviation helicopter. However, the sortie will be undertaken only after weather conditions are declared safe for flying.

Civil Aviation authorities said one helicopter sortie has been kept on standby, awaiting weather clearance before transporting relief materials to the affected areas.

Hydropower infrastructure suffers major damage

The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) said it is still assessing the extent of damage caused to its hydropower infrastructure and power generation facilities.

The flash floods severely affected the NEEPCO Colony at Poosa, damaging residential buildings, disrupting road connectivity and triggering landslides at several locations.

Officials said a detailed damage assessment is underway, and restoration work will begin once weather conditions improve and access to affected areas is restored.

More districts affected by floods and landslides

The impact of heavy rainfall has extended beyond Keyi Panyor district. On Sunday morning, flash floods also struck Ledum in East Siang district, damaging public infrastructure and private property.

In Leparada district, the Kidi River was flowing above the danger level at Basar, posing a serious threat to a vital bridge. Chisi village under the Dari circle emerged as one of the worst-affected locations, with another key bridge also reported to be under threat from rising water levels.

Officials said nine districts have been affected by rain-triggered floods and landslides. These include Keyi Panyor, Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, East Siang and Leparada.

Road blockages, landslides and flooding have disrupted normal life in several areas, making relief and rescue operations increasingly challenging.

IMD issues heavy rainfall warning

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Arunachal Pradesh until Monday morning.

According to the weather department, some areas may receive more than 200 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable regions.

Following the forecast, the State Disaster Management Department has issued an alert, urging residents living in low-lying, flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Emergency response teams have also been asked to stay on high alert as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist.

Conclusion

With the flood death toll rising to three and two people still missing, rescue agencies continue their operations amid difficult terrain and persistent rainfall. As the IMD predicts more heavy rain across Arunachal Pradesh, authorities have intensified rescue, relief and preparedness measures to minimise further loss of life and property in the affected districts.