SHILLONG, June 29: Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate 13-year-old Elis Marak of East Garo Hills, who remains missing several days after a devastating flash flood struck the NEEPCO hydel project colony in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor district.
The flash flood was triggered by intense rainfall that caused the Possa River to swell rapidly, inundating the project colony. Officials said the Yazali area received 72.8 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, with the bulk of the downpour recorded over just three hours in the early hours of Wednesday. The sudden surge in water levels also triggered landslides in several parts of the district.
Elis was among five people swept away by the floodwaters. Her elder sister, 30-year-old Ballari Marak, also known as Olyn Synkly, was found dead on Saturday after an extensive search. Their mother survived the incident but sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the district administration, are continuing search operations to trace Elis and the other missing victims despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Deputy Commandant of the 12th Battalion of the NDRF, Anand Patel, said the team has deployed specialised search equipment, boats and sniffer dogs to aid the operation.
“Our team arrived yesterday and is currently carrying out search operations using specialised equipment, canines and boats,” Patel said.
He added that more NDRF personnel equipped with specialised rescue gear are expected to join the operation to strengthen the ongoing search efforts.
Patel said the rescue mission continues to face significant challenges due to the rugged hilly terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
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