14 feared dead in a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI: Around 14 people are feared dead in massive landslide in at Laptap village under Toru Circle of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep shock and grief over the reported submergence of eight houses under debris caused by a massive landslide. A police team led by two officers of has rushed for Laptap.

A thirty-five member NDRF team has already reached the spot and carrying out rescue operations along with volunteers and villagers of the area. Five dead bodies have been retrieved so far from the debris.

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 air 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 lakhs each to the next of kins of the deceased. (Eom)