At least 16 dead in Arunachal landslide; NDRF team rushed

“As per preliminary information 16 bodies have been recovered from the debris of the landslide. The incident occurred somewhere around 2.30 am today (Friday). Authorities are involved in the rescue operations. A NDRF team is on its way,” a senior official from the state said.

The landslide at Phamla village in Tawang, near the border with China, was triggered due to incessant rain in the state for weeks which has also led to water logging and flood-type situation in several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

“A total of 17 labourers were sleeping inside the tent located near the under construction hotel. The tent was swept away completely burying 15 of them alive while the other two managed to escape with severe injuries,” said a senior district administration official. However, one of them succumbed later.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa announced ex-gratia relief of Rs1 lakh for the kin of each of the 16 workers who died in the landslide. The Governor also called upon the people to be alert and take necessary precautions as the state is experiencing heavy rainfall. 

He also advised the state government and district administrations to warn the people living in landslide and flood prone areas.

“Later, one of the seriously injured persons died while on the way to the hospital,” he said, adding that the condition of the other injured remains critical.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths.

Taking cognizance of the issue, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called up Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to discuss the floods and the landslide situation.

“Singh has assured full central assistance to Arunachal Pradesh to tackle the floods situation arising due to a swollen Noa Dehing river. He has asked DG of National Disaster Response Force OP Singh to rush rescue teams to the landslide-hit Famla village in Tawang, bordering China,” said an official.