Arunachal: Two missing feared swept downstream as Keyi Panyor police ends rescue mission after eight days

The rescue operation to trace two persons who went missing following the June 24 cloudburst in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district has been suspended after eight days, with authorities presuming that the victims were swept downstream by the swollen Subansiri River into Assam.

Speaking to India Today, Keyi Panyor Superintendent of Police Angad Mehta, IPS, said the extensive search operation had been called off after sustained efforts failed to locate the missing individuals. He said prevailing conditions and the river's strong current led authorities to believe that the victims had been carried downstream.

The Superintendent of Police also expressed gratitude to the people of Keyi Panyor for their overwhelming support and relief assistance during the disaster. He acknowledged the generosity and collective efforts of residents, stating that their timely response made a significant difference in managing the aftermath of the cloudburst, which caused extensive damage across the district.

Mehta particularly commended local youth volunteers for their active role in relief operations. Their contributions included the distribution of emergency supplies, food, drinking water and medical kits, besides providing logistical support and assisting in relief distribution in affected areas.

He said the first two days following the disaster were the most challenging, as widespread road closures, damaged residential quarters and infrastructure severely hampered rescue and relief efforts. The situation was further complicated as all gates of the NEEPCO dam remained open for two days to facilitate the discharge of heavy inflows following the cloudburst, resulting in an exceptionally strong downstream water flow.

Authorities have thanked all agencies, volunteers and residents who participated in the rescue and relief operations while continuing to monitor the situation in the affected areas.