Arunachal landslide toll rises to 7

The death toll in the devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh has risen to seven, an official said yesterday.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and other agencies were searching for survivors feared trapped under the rubble and bodies of victims.

Incessant rains have triggered landslides and flash floods in various parts of this mountainous state.

The death toll rose to seven following the recovery of six dead bodies from the rubble of a landslide, Inspector General of Police in-charge of Law and Order, Nabin Payeng, said.

He said the search for survivors and dead bodies was still on.

The landslide on Tuesday hit Laptap village under Papum Pare district, about 40km from here.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the release of ex gratia of Rs400,000 (Dh22,787) to the next of kin of each of the deceased.

He conveyed his deepest condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family members, and prayed for the safety of those who were missing.

Rescue operation

Khandu has asked the district administration to be on alert and ordered an urgent rescue operation to evacuate survivors trapped under the debris and inside damaged houses.

He also asked the administration to provide all necessary assistance possible such as food, medicine, etc to the affected victims, and to move them to safer locations.

A medical team with lifesaving drugs and a police team have been dispatched to Laptap.

Reiterating his appeal to remain alert and move away from vulnerable places, Khandu said: “Arunachal Pradesh has been at the receiving end of nature’s fury every year. The best that people can do is avoid vulnerable places and stop rampant tree cutting and deforestation.”