A huge landslide hit a camp for construction workers in a remote part of northeast India on Friday, killing at least 16, police said.
Heavy rains triggered the disaster in the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, which lies on the Tibetan border and is claimed in part by China. The workers, who were building a hotel, were asleep when the landslide hit their camp in Tawang district, more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
“Sixteen bodies have been recovered by police and emergency workers. One more is feared trapped under the debris,” said Anto Alphonse, superintendent of police for Tawang. “Three labourers survived and have received minor injuries. A total of 20 workers were at the spot when the massive landslide struck the construction site.” India’s National Disaster Management Authority said police and soldiers had rushed to the scene.
Landslides are common in the Himalayas, particularly during monsoon season, which begins in June.
In a tweet Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “grief on the loss of lives” in the disaster.
Days of incessant rains have caused flood-like situations in many parts of the frontier state, triggering flash floods and landslides.
Local media reported heavy damage to houses, road infrastructure and crops, as all the major rivers in the state are running over the danger mark.At least 15 labourers were killed when a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains hit a labour camp in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.The incident occurred at 3am when 17 labourers engaged in construction works were inside the camp at a place 4km away from Tawang town, additional deputy commissioner (headquarters) Lod Gambo said.
"So far nine bodies have been extricated from the debris," Gambo said, adding incessant rain for the past couple of days had triggered landslides in several places of the border district.
Gambo said rescue operation was on and two JCBs have been pressed into service to clear the debris.
The PWD road in between New Lebrang and government higher secondary school has also been blocked due to 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.Taking serious note of the situation, DC Duly Kamduk has directed the department concerned for assessment and submission of detailed report for action.
