Over 10 killed after landslide in Arunachal Pradesh
At least 10 people were killed and several others are feared to be trapped in a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh's Papumpare district on Tuesday, according to reports. Additional Deputy Commissioner Jalash Pertin said that the chances of any survivors are dim, and rescue operations are still on. The landslide was reportedly triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.
Five persons were killed and nine went missing as a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains destroyed eight dwellings in Arunachal Pradesh?s Papum Pare district on Tuesday, officials said.According to Sagalee additional deputy commissioner Jalash Pertin, the landslide around 3.30 pm buried the houses at Laptap village.Rescue operation is on, he said, adding there are dim chances of any survivor.The district has been receiving incessant rains since the past four days.Officials said five bodies have been retrieved so far from the debris.Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu expressed deep shock and grief over the incident and ordered urgent rescue operation to evacuate any survivor.He announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kins of those killed.He also asked the administration to provide all necessary assistance like food and medicine to the affected people and shift them to safer locations.A 35-member NDRF team has already reached the spot and carrying out rescue operations along with volunteers and villagers.Khandu appealed to people to remain alert and shift from vulnerable places.He said Arunachal Pradesh has been at the receiving end of nature?s fury every year and the best people can do is avoid vulnerable places and stop rampant air cutting and deforestation. Heavy rain has caused flash floods and landslides in various parts of the state in the past few days.Major rivers in the state are flowing above the danger level while surface communication has been disrupted at many places along the NH-415 that links Assam with Arunachal Pradesh.