Massive landslide hits Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare; 14 people dead

Pic Courtesy: ANI

Itanagar: At least fourteen people are believed to have been killed after a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains hit Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday. 

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Jalash Pertin, chances of any survivor are dim, adding rescue operation is on.

He said three dwellings in Laptap village were hit by the landslide around 3.30 PM.

Papum Pare has been receiving rains for the past four days.

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 dispatched to Laptap.

Reiterating his appeal to remain alerted 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 a 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.