On July 4, 2026, Arunachal Pradesh began emergency helicopter operations to assist villages cut off by floods and landslides in the Lower Siang district. The state deployed a Skyone Airways Mi-172 helicopter to transport essential food and medical supplies and evacuate patients, responding to severe disruptions caused by flash floods and collapsed infrastructure.
Floods and Landslides Severely Isolate Villages
Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides that damaged roads and bridges in Lower Siang district, leaving numerous villages inaccessible by land. Communities in Rotte, Rame, Loglu, Lipin, Mane, Tene, Sipu, Kakki, Kadu, Rina, Sido, and Korang found themselves cut off, complicating relief efforts and emergency medical access.
With surface transportation blocked, air support became the only viable option to reach these remote areas. The helicopter missions aimed to bridge this gap by delivering food supplies and evacuating patients needing urgent care.
Helicopter Missions Deliver Food and Evacuate Patients
The Mi-172 helicopter took off from Naharlagun at 8 a.m., flying to the Koyu helipad in Lower Siang within an hour. It carried 11.5 metric tonnes of rice distributed under the Public Distribution System, ensuring that vulnerable populations received critical food aid. On the same day, the helicopter evacuated four patients from Koyu to Pasighat for medical treatment.
Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground in East Siang district served as the operational hub for these air missions. The coordinated efforts involved the Civil Aviation Department, district administrations, disaster management teams, and food safety officials from Itanagar, Pasighat, Likabali, and Nari, who managed the unloading and distribution of relief packages efficiently.
Weather Alerts and Ongoing Challenges
The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert starting July 6, 2026, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh. This forecast signals continued risks of flooding and landslides, which could further disrupt ground access.
Despite signs of improvement by July 5, with only one new incident reported in Keyi Panyor district and no fresh casualties in the previous 24 hours, the situation remains fragile. Helicopter operations continue to play a crucial role in providing relief and maintaining connectivity to isolated communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas are most affected by the floods in Arunachal Pradesh?
A: The Lower Siang district is the hardest hit, with villages like Rotte, Rame, Loglu, and others cut off due to landslides and flash floods.
Q: What role does the Mi-172 helicopter play in relief efforts?
A: The Mi-172 is a medium-lift helicopter used to transport food supplies and evacuate patients from inaccessible areas during disasters.
Q: How is the Public Distribution System involved in the relief?
A: The Public Distribution System provides essential food grains, such as rice, to vulnerable populations, which were airlifted to affected villages during the helicopter missions.
