Guwahati, June 24: Torrential rains over the past 48 hours have caused flash floods in the Kiy Panior district of Arunachal Pradesh, leaving at least three people missing and damaging around 20 homes and residential units. In response to rising river levels, Assam has issued a high alert.
According to a senior official in Itanagar, continuous heavy rainfall has triggered landslides at multiple locations along national highways, disrupting traffic and stranding several travelers.
Officials reported that the flash floods occurred near the NEEPCO project colony in Pusa, located in the Yajali circle of Kiy Panior district. A retaining wall collapsed due to the intense rainfall, flooding low-lying residential areas in the Yajali region.
Upon receiving news of the incident, the additional deputy commissioner, police deputy superintendent, and circle officer have arrived in the affected areas to assess damage and coordinate relief and rescue operations.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team has been deployed to the site, while personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are en route to assist in the relief efforts.
The government-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has started releasing water from the Ranganadi dam as a precautionary measure. Power generation at the project has been temporarily halted.
Arunachal Pradesh has experienced continuous heavy rainfall for several days, leading to landslides, flash floods, and damage to homes and infrastructure across various districts. The disaster management department has advised residents living near riverbanks and in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
Meanwhile, following reports of heavy rainfall and flash floods in Lower Subansiri district, the Assam government is closely monitoring the situation. There are concerns that the impact may extend to the lower regions of Assam.
According to the regional meteorological center in Guwahati and the meteorological center in Itanagar, Yajali recorded 72.8 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, with most of it occurring between 6 AM and 9 AM on June 24.
An official statement confirmed heavy rainfall through satellite and radar images, which led to a sudden increase in river flow in the upper catchment areas. Flash floods have been reported in the Panior Lower Hydro Electric Project area, previously known as the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project. A spillway gate has been opened to release excess water.
Reports from Yajali indicate that the floods, accompanied by debris, have caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Authorities fear that heavy rainfall and rising water flow in the upper regions could significantly increase the water levels and flow rates of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries in Assam.
The flood wave is expected to first impact the Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Sonitpur districts. Over the next couple of days, it may reach other districts, eventually affecting Dhubri.
Under the direction of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has instructed all relevant departments and district administrations to maintain maximum vigilance and be prepared for any situation.
The state government has appealed to residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to stay alert and evacuate to safe locations when directed by authorities. People are also advised to avoid traveling in submerged areas and using small boats on the Brahmaputra and its tributaries due to the expected swift river currents.
The Assam government has stated that it is maintaining continuous coordination with all relevant agencies and district administrations, and advisories and updates will be issued as needed for public safety.
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