Arunachal Pradesh: 10 dead in landslide triggered by torrential rains

District officials said the landslide occurred around noon behind the town’s old circuit house that was one of 13 buildings damaged. Most of the victims were government employees and members of their family.

Landslide triggered by torrential rain killed 10 people, including two women, and injured four others at Bhalukpong in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday.

Ten people were killed by a landslide triggered by torrential rain in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. (HT Photo)

Bhalukpong, 220 km west of state capital Itanagar, is the first stop on the road to Tawang.

District officials said the landslide occurred around noon behind the town’s old circuit house that was one of 13 buildings damaged. Most of the victims were government employees and members of their family.

Five people were still trapped under the debris till Friday evening. “Inclement weather affected rescue and recovery operation. Among those still buried are two minors, one nine months old,” K Wangda, extra assistant commissioner in charge of Bhalukpong, said.

Four people were also injured in the landslide.

West Kameng deputy commissioner Sonal Swaroop said local people and government employees joined army, Border Roads Organisation and Indo-Tibetan Border Police in the rescue operation. “Several buildings in the area have been flooded,” she said after returning to district headquarters Bomdila, 101km from the disaster spot.