16 dead in Arunachal landslide, NDRF team rushed

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), April 22 (IANS) At least 16 people were killed and many others buried under debris in a landslide that struck Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China, early Friday morning. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is headed to the disaster site.   "As per preliminary information 16 bodies have been recovered from the debris of the landslide. The incident occurred somewhere around 2.30 a.m today (Friday). Local authorities are involved in the rescue operations. A NDRF team is on its way," a senior official from the state told IANS.   The landslide at Famla village in Tawang, near the border with China, was triggered due to incessant rain in the state for weeks which has also led to water logging and flood-type situation in several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths.   Taking cognizance of the issue, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called up Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to discuss the floods and the landslide situation.  

"Singh has assured full central assistance to Arunachal Pradesh to tackle the floods situation arising due to a swollen Noa Dehing river. He has asked Director General of National Disaster Response Force O.P. Singh to rush rescue teams to the landslide-hit Famla village in Tawang, bordering China," said an official.   A high level committee chaired by the home minister has also approved assistance of Rs.84.33 crore for Arunachal Pradesh to tackle floods.  

Modi mourns deaths in Arunachal landslide

  Itanagar, April 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths in a labour camp caused by a landslide on the outskirts of Tawang town of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.   "The prime minister expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by a landslide in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. He extends condolences to bereaved families," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.   According to an official, a major landslide hit the camp four km from Tawang town around 2.30 a.m., leaving at least 16 people dead. Rescue operations were underway.