Itanagar: At least 16 people were killed when a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains hit a labour camp in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh today.
Pictures of the landslide site near village Phamla in Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh. 16 people dead. pic.twitter.com/HRdKoYSgjm
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2016
The incident occurred at 3 am when labourers engaged in construction work were inside the camp at a place four km away from Tawang town, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Lod Gambo said. It is feared that more people are trapped in the landslide and rescue operations are underway. Gambo said rescue operation was on and two JCBs have been pressed into service to clear the debris.
What we know
Aftermath: The PWD road in between New Lebrang and the government higher secondary school has also been blocked due to the landslide, while damages to residential buildings have 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 rain and both the power stations had been shut down due to the damage.
The response: Home Minister Rajnath Singh also reviewed the situation and informed a team from the National Disaster Relief Force to rush to Tawang.
HM @BJPRajnathSingh has asked DG, #NDRF to rush rescue teams to landslide-hit Famla village in Tawang district of #ArunachalPradesh
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 22, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief for the loss of lives.
PM expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by a landslide in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. He extends condolences to bereaved families.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2016
Taking serious note of the situation, District Collector Duly Kamduk has directed the concerned department to assess the situation and submit a detailed report.