Dambuk: A rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a rafting team from Zaktum Notko near Dambuk, local elephant owners and an Indian Air Force helicopter concluded successfully on Monday morning after four stranded persons were rescued from the Sisiri (Sisar) River in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district.
The four persons, Geram Lego of Remi village, and Abom Tayeng, Maksam Pertin and Mitom Borang of Tapat (Yapgo) village, were stranded on a river island on Sunday while fishing using traditional methods.
The rescue operation was suspended on Sunday due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, forcing the four individuals to remain on the island overnight.
The operation resumed on Monday and was led by Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum along with officials of the district administration’s disaster management team.
Following the rescue, Apum thanked the NDRF, the rafting team from Zaktum Notko, the district administration, local elephant owners and the Indian Air Force for their assistance.
“With a heart full of immense relief and profound gratitude, following a gruelling, round the clock rescue operation all four individuals have been safely evacuated and airlifted and are now back with their anxious families,” said Apum.
“The successful outcome was nothing short of a miracle, made possible only by the efforts, bravery and sheer determination of multiple teams. My deepest and heartfelt thanks to; the District Administration of Lower Dibang Valley, the local public, the Rafting team of Zaktum Notko, our local Elephant owners, the NDRF and our pride the Indian Air force,” he added.
Apum also urged residents to avoid entering rivers during periods of heavy rainfall.
“While we celebrate this safe return, we must treat this incident as a serious warning. Once again I am making an urgent and earnest appeal to every citizen please do not venture into the river during heavy rainfall,” he said, urging people in the 42nd Dambuk Assembly Constituency to remain cautious during the monsoon season and avoid riverbanks.