Survivors recount horror as relief efforts bring hope after deadly flash floods.
Guwahati:
The peaceful hills of Possa village and the nearby NEEPCO Colony in Keyi Panyor district were devastated on the morning of June 24, 2026, when a sudden flash flood triggered by a cloudburst swept through the area, leaving behind death, destruction and hundreds of lives changed forever.
What began as intense localised rainfall quickly turned into one of the worst natural disasters witnessed in the region in recent years. Around 73 mm of rainfall was recorded within a short three-hour period. According to officials, a small upper-reach channel, believed to have been blocked by a landslide, suddenly gave way. The resulting surge of water, mud, rocks and debris rushed downhill with enormous force, destroying homes, vehicles and infrastructure in its path.
The flood struck the NEEPCO Colony near the Pioneer Lower Hydropower Station (PLHS), where employees of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) and their families lived alongside residents of nearby Possa village. Within minutes, the quiet residential settlement was transformed into a disaster zone.
As of early July, at least two people have been confirmed dead. Several others were initially reported missing, with search operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local rescue teams continuing in the affected areas. Approximately 18 to 24 residential quarters were either washed away or suffered severe damage. Many houses in nearby Possa village also sustained extensive destruction, forcing dozens of families to leave their homes.
Despite the widespread devastation, stories of survival, courage and community support are emerging as relief and rehabilitation efforts continue.
One of the survivors, Hillang Yapin, a senior translator and NEEPCO employee, has played a major role in coordinating relief efforts after the disaster. Apart from surviving the flash flood herself, she has taken responsibility for supervising relief camp operations and the distribution of aid materials.
Speaking exclusively to The Sunday Guardian, Yapin recalled the terrifying moments when the flood struck.
“The incident occurred in the early morning of the 24th, around 6:30 a.m. It was a cloudburst. Everything happened so suddenly that people had no time to react. Fortunately, it occurred a little later in the morning. Had it happened around 4 a.m., when everyone was asleep, the loss of life would have been much greater. Unfortunately, this tragedy happened the way it did.”
Her account highlights how the timing of the disaster may have prevented an even greater tragedy. Although people had very little time to escape, many families were already awake and beginning their daily routine when the floodwaters arrived.
Among those who narrowly escaped was 46-year-old Rumi Rabha, who managed to flee as floodwaters entered the residential quarters. Like many others, Rabha lost nearly everything and escaped with only the clothes he was wearing at the time.
Residents who survived the disaster have expressed appreciation for the assistance reaching the affected areas.
Local resident Taba Amsila, speaking exclusively to The Sunday Guardian, said:
“We are happy with the relief materials provided by the government. We have everything. We have even received cash assistance from the government and other NGOs to help tackle our situation.”
Although floodwaters have now receded, visible signs of destruction remain throughout the colony. Damaged houses, broken roads, scattered debris and destroyed household belongings continue to remind residents of the scale of the disaster.
Around 54 affected families are currently staying in relief camps established on higher ground within the colony. Many of them have lost homes built over years and are now dependent on relief support while reconstruction work begins.
Providing an update on the ongoing relief operations, Hillang Yapin said:
“Cash assistance is being provided to the families of those who lost their lives. For those undergoing medical treatment—for example, the husband of one of our teachers, whose wife passed away and who had to accompany her—the financial assistance is being transferred directly into their bank accounts. Whatever support is reaching us from different sources is being distributed. Contributions are coming in from all sides; some are donating Rs 1 lakh, others Rs 50,000. Help is arriving from every direction.”
Yapin said that financial support continues to arrive from government agencies, organisations and individual donors. The relief process includes both direct financial transfers and the distribution of essential materials to affected families.
She also clarified the condition of local infrastructure following the disaster.
“No, the bridge was not seriously damaged. There was minor damage on one side, which has already been repaired by filling the affected portion. We also constructed an alternative access road to the colony across the river. Those who lost their homes are still staying in relief camps, while houses with minor damage are being repaired so that people can return.”
The temporary access road has helped restore movement to the colony while repair work continues on damaged structures.
Yapin said that she has been entrusted with overseeing almost every aspect of relief management.
“I have been given overall responsibility for supervising relief camp operations, distributing relief materials, receiving and recording relief supplies and ensuring that the needs of the victims are met. Because of this assignment, I have not been able to carry out my regular office work.”
Her role includes coordinating the receipt and distribution of aid while ensuring that relief materials reach every affected family.
She also praised the response from different agencies involved in rescue and rehabilitation.
“Overall, the response has been excellent. The state government, the NDRF, the Central Government, Union Ministers, various organisations, NGOs and many individuals have been visiting regularly. Their presence has greatly helped the victims recover emotionally from the trauma.”
Yapin said conditions inside the relief camps have gradually improved.
“The floodwater has receded. For the past three to four days, the weather has been hot. The main concern now is that excessive heat could lead to illness among the affected people. Otherwise, the situation is gradually stabilising.”
Food preparation has been outsourced because of limited manpower, allowing relief workers to focus on camp management and victim assistance. Covered community spaces have also been created where residents gather in the evenings, helping rebuild a sense of normalcy and togetherness.
NEEPCO has clarified that the flash flood was caused by highly localised heavy rainfall and was not connected to operations at the Pioneer Lower Hydropower Station. According to the corporation, intense rainfall began around 3 a.m., causing small streams in the upper catchment to overflow rapidly before floodwaters reached the colony.
The disaster forms part of the larger monsoon-related crisis affecting several parts of Arunachal Pradesh this season. Flash floods and landslides have damaged roads, disrupted connectivity and affected thousands of people across multiple districts.
In Keyi Panyor district, authorities continue to focus on search operations for any remaining missing persons while providing medical care, temporary shelter and assistance for rehabilitation.
Relief materials continue to arrive from different parts of the country. Donations from individuals, organisations and government agencies are supporting victims as they begin rebuilding their lives. Alternative roads, repaired infrastructure and organised relief camps reflect the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy.
