Five killed, nine missing in Arunachal landslide

Itanagar, July 11 (IANS) At least five people were killed and nine others missing in a landslide triggered to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, police said, adding the toll could rise.

Five bodies have been retrieved so far from the debris.

Incessant rains for the past three days have triggered landslides and flash floods in various parts of this mountainous state.

"Eight houses have submerged under debris caused by a massive landslide at Laptap village under Papum Pare district this afternoon," said Chief Minister Pema Khandu, adding 14 people are feared buried under the debris.

A thirty-five member NDRF team is on its way to the spot.

The Chief Minister has asked the district administration to be on alert and ordered urgent rescue operation to evacuate probable survivors trapped inside the debris and damaged houses.

He also asked the administration to provide all necessary assistance like food, medicine etc. to the affected victims and shift them to safer locations.

A medical team with life saving drugs and a police team have been despatched to Laptap.

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

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to ensure that people residing in vulnerable areas are immediately shifted to safer locations and provided with all basic amenities at least till the monsoons recede.

Khandu announced release of ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He conveyed his deepest condolences and extended solidarity with the bereaved family members and prayed for the safety of those who are missing.