Four stranded on river island in Arunachal rescued after overnight operation

Four people stranded overnight on islands in the swollen Sisiri (Sisar) River near Dambuk in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley district were rescued on Monday, June 29, in a multi-agency operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Air Force (IAF), local rafting teams and domestic elephants.
 

The four rescued persons were identified as Geram Lego of Remi village, and Abom Tayeng, Maksam Pertin and Mitom Borang of Tapat (Yapgo) village in the Dambuk region.
 

According to officials, the four had ventured into the river on Sunday for their daily livelihood activities using traditional fishing methods when rising water levels left them stranded on river islands. Rescue efforts launched on Sunday had to be suspended due to incessant rain and poor weather conditions, forcing the four to spend the night on the islands.
 

The operation resumed on Monday morning and concluded successfully with all four being airlifted to safety.
 

The rescue mission was coordinated by the district administration and led by Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum, with personnel from the NDRF, local rafting team Zaktum Notko, local elephant owners and the Indian Air Force participating in the operation.
 

Expressing relief after the rescue, Apum thanked all agencies involved for their coordinated efforts.
 

"Following a gruelling round-the-clock rescue operation, all four individuals have been safely evacuated and reunited with their families. The successful outcome was made possible by the bravery and determination of all the teams involved," he said.
 

The legislator also urged residents of the 42nd Dambuk Assembly constituency to remain vigilant during the monsoon season and avoid venturing into rivers during periods of heavy rainfall.