Maksam Tayeng
DAMBUK, Jun 29: A major rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local rafting teams, elephant owners, district authorities and the Indian Air Force successfully rescued four persons who had been stranded on islands in the swollen Sisiri (Sisar) River near Dambuk in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley district.
The four rescued individuals were identified as Geram Lego of Remi village, and Abom Tayeng, Maksam Pertin, and Mitom Borang of Tapat/Yapgo village. They reportedly became stranded on Sunday while engaged in traditional fishing activities using Porang, a local fishing method, to earn their livelihood.
The men were trapped after the river's water level rose rapidly due to continuous rainfall. Rescue efforts initiated on Sunday faced delays because of adverse weather conditions and incessant rain, forcing the stranded individuals to spend the entire night on the river island.
The rescue operation, led by Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum and officials of the District Disaster Management Authority, concluded successfully on Monday morning. Local rafting teams from Zaktum Notko, domestic elephants used for river navigation, NDRF personnel and an Indian Air Force helicopter were deployed in the challenging operation.
Expressing relief after the successful mission, Apum thanked all agencies and individuals involved in the rescue.
"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," he said.
The MLA described the successful outcome as "nothing short of a miracle" and acknowledged the collective efforts of the Lower Dibang Valley district administration, local residents, the Zaktum Notko rafting team, elephant owners, NDRF personnel and the IAF.
While celebrating the safe rescue, Apum urged residents to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing monsoon season. Calling the incident a serious warning, he appealed to people not to venture into rivers during periods of heavy rainfall and advised residents of Dambuk Assembly Constituency to avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas until weather conditions improve.