At least 15 killed in landslide in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district
Rescue operations are underway, with troops from the National Disaster Response Force reaching the site.
At least 15 people have been killed after a landslide struck a labour camp in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district on Friday. Among them were at least nine labourers, additional Deputy Commissioner L Gambo confirmed. It is unclear how many others are buried under the rubble. The landslide took place near the village of Famla at around 3.30 am when 17 labourers were working inside the camp, reported PTI.
Rescue operations are underway, with troops from the National Disaster Response Force reaching the site. Home Minister Rajnath Singh contacted the state's chief minister Kalikho Pul to review the situation. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are believed to have expressed their distress and shock at the events.
At least 14 people lost their lives and several others were missing when a massive landslide triggered by heavy rains hit a labour camp in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh today.
14 bodies have been retrieved from the spot along with one injured person, official sources said.
Two other workers are feared to be trapped in the debris.
The incident occurred at around 3.30 AM when 17 labourers engaged in construction work were inside the camp in Thamla, about four km away from Tawang town, bordering China, Additional Deputy Commissioner (headquarters) Lod Gambo said.
Senior officers are on the spot and rescue and relief operation was on.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a message, the Prime Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
The district administration deployed men and materials in the rescue operation, including two JCBs.
The PWD road between New Lebrang and government higher secondary school has also been blocked due to landslide while damage to residential buildings has been reported from the area.
Heavy rainfall in the past few days in the district resulted in a flood like situation which severely damaged the Kitpi Ph-I and Ph-II hydel projects.
Power department officials said restoration work could not be started due to the continuous rains and both the power stations had been shut down.
Taking serious note of the situation, DC Duly Kamduk has directed the department to assess the damage and submit a report for action.