Guwahati: A risky rescue in Arunachal Pradesh ended with four people saved and airlifted after a raft overturned in the swollen Sisiri (Siji) River, officials said, as Assam contends with flooding that has submerged six districts in the season’s opening wave.
Officials said the rescue mission turned hazardous when strong currents capsized the boat used to evacuate stranded people from the Sisiri near Dambuk.
“Seven rescuers had entered the river to evacuate four stranded people. The rescue team had located the three stranded people and were returning to the riverbank when the boat capsized after being hit by a strong undercurrent. Five people swam safely to the riverbank, while five others were swept away by the current. Of them, two reached a river island, while another became trapped on a log in the middle of the river before being rescued by NDRF personnel,” officials said.
A 30-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit, together with Arunachal Pradesh Police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), pressed on with night-long efforts. An Indian Air Force helicopter ultimately airlifted the four people to safety, as repor
ted by The Economic Times.
Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum expressed relief on social media, thanking the teams: “With a heart full of immense relief and profound gratitude, following a gruelling, round-the-clock rescue operation, all four individuals have been safely evacuated and airlifted and are now back with their anxious families.”
Six Assam Districts Inundated
The first wave of floods this year has submerged areas in six Assam districts — Dhemaji, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Chirang, Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar — disrupting both rail and road movement and affecting thousands of residents. Dhemaji remains the hardest hit, with 15,483 people across 69 villages in the Jonai, Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji and Gogamukh revenue circles reported as affected by floodwaters.
Centre Offers Assistance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the flood situation with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and pledged Centre support. Sarma said on social media: “I have briefed him on the relief and rehabilitation measures presently underway. He has also assured us all possible support and assistance from the Government of India to deal with this situation.”
State Response & Complicating Factors
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, sent by the Chief Minister to survey conditions on the ground, said two relief camps have been set up in Jonai and rescue work continues along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the NDRF.
Officials said ongoing heavy rains in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh have worsened riverine flooding in Upper Assam. The situation in Dhemaji was further aggravated after a landslide at Magi village in Arunachal Pradesh blocked the flow of the Gai River, locally known as the Siji River.