Tragedy Strikes in Arunachal Pradesh: Five Army Personnel Missing, Four Lives Lost in Landslide

In a distressing turn of events in Arunachal Pradesh, five soldiers from the Indian Army are currently unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in the Dibang Valley district. Reports from the state’s Emergency Operations Centre reveal that the unfortunate incidents transpired late on Friday night, exacerbated by heavy rainfall that has been persistent in the region.

According to official sources, the flash floods resulted from relentless downpours that overwhelmed the local landscape. The soldiers were stationed at the Pasu Pani Camp, where two of their shelters were swept away by the surge of water. Initial efforts resulted in the rescue of two personnel, but five others—identified as Upendar, Kundan, Vinod, Aditya, and Samunda—remain missing. A collective rescue operation has been mobilized, involving the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Arunachal Pradesh Police, State Disaster Response Force, and General Reserve Engineer Force, which are all working tirelessly to locate the missing soldiers.

Meanwhile, another tragedy unfolded in the Upper Subansiri district, where a landslide claimed the lives of four individuals at a road construction site on the Keojaring-Byaching route. The victims have been identified as Tadu Baki, Taji Rai, Markosh Basumatari, and Babul Ali. The landslide struck unexpectedly, highlighting the dangers posed by the region’s vulnerable topography, especially during the monsoon season.

Authorities have deployed personnel from Nacho Police Station, along with fire services and the State Disaster Response Force, to carry out search and rescue operations at both sites. The challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions are complicating the rescue efforts, as teams navigate through difficult conditions to locate the missing and assist those affected by the landslide.

This series of incidents serves as a stark reminder of the natural hazards faced by the northeastern states of India, where heavy rains during monsoon often lead to flash floods and landslides, devastating local communities and impacting lives. As rescue operations continue, local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further adverse weather conditions.

Source: scroll.in