Itanagar, Jun 28: Rescue teams engaged in the search and rescue operation following the devastating flash flood at Possa in Keyi Panyor district have recovered the body of one of the missing persons, identified as Late Saurabh Kumar Kharwar.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the body was recovered from the Hawa Camp area in Papum Pare district, approximately 35 km from Possa, after being initially spotted by local residents. A joint search team comprising personnel from the SDRF, NDRF, Arunachal Pradesh Police and Kimin Police subsequently recovered the body.
Secretary (Disaster Management) Dani Salu had earlier informed that a male body had been found near Hawa Camp and a team had been dispatched for recovery and identification. The identity was later confirmed as that of Saurabh Kumar Kharwar, who had been missing since the tragic flood incident.
Officials stated that the body was transported to the NEEPCO Colony for necessary legal formalities and identification by family members.
With the latest recovery, the death toll from the June 24 flash flood has increased to three, while the number of missing persons has come down to two. Those still untraced are: Alise Marak (13) and Tao Anjina (46).
The District Disaster Management Office (DDMO), Keyi Panyor, informed that intensive search operations are continuing to locate the remaining missing persons.
Rescue teams have been carrying out round-the-clock search efforts under challenging conditions amid strong currents, debris and difficult terrain following the flash flood that struck the Possa area earlier this week. Authorities reiterated their commitment to continue the operation until all missing persons are traced.