The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified search and rescue operations to trace three people who are still missing after a flash flood hit Nipko colony near Pusa village in Ki Paniyur district of Arunachal Pradesh on June 24, officials said.
Five people were missing in the flash flood incident. The authorities have so far recovered two bodies, while efforts are still underway to locate the remaining three bodies.
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Speaking to ANI, Anand Patil, Deputy Commander of NDRF’s 12th Battalion, said the force deployed specialized equipment, dog teams and boats for the search operation.
“On June 24, there was a flash flood in the morning in NEEPCO area, leaving five people missing. The district administration and police have launched a search operation,” Patel said. The NDRF team was asked to assist; However, due to blocked roads, they were unable to reach the site during the first two days. “The NDRF team arrived yesterday and is currently conducting searches using specialized equipment, dogs and boats,” he added.
He said additional NDRF teams equipped with specialized equipment are expected to join the operation, which is likely to be intensified by Saturday evening.
“Some additional teams equipped with specialized equipment are scheduled to join and we expect the search to intensify by this evening. The presence of large amounts of high floating debris, hazardous materials and sharp objects has hampered the operation. Despite these difficulties, we remain committed to the search and are working to recover the missing bodies as soon as possible,” Patel said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by rescue teams, Patel said that the mountainous terrain, accumulated debris and changing weather conditions made the operation difficult.
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He added, “The main challenges include mountainous terrain and changing weather conditions.”
Search operations continue in the affected area, while rescue teams work to locate the remaining missing persons.
