2 dead in fresh landslides in Arunachal, toll rises to 19

At least two persons were killed and several dwellings damaged in fresh landslides triggered by rains in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, raising the toll to 19.

The fresh landslips occurred at Thongleng Village, 20 kilometre from Tawang town in between Tawang- Lumla road, ADC Lod Gambo said.

While 30 houses were badly damaged, one house where the victims were staying was washed away, the ADC said.

The district administration has pressed men and machinery for relief and rescue operations, he said.

The death toll has now risen to 19 due to heavy rains and floods. While a person drowned at Jengthu River in Namsai district on April 17 last, 16 labourers including one supervisor were killed in a massive landslide triggered by incessant rains at Phamla village in Tawang on Friday.

The victims were mainly labourers from Assam and Nepal who had come in search of livelihood.

Incessant rain in the past couple of days triggered massive landslides in various places of the Buddhist town bordering China.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took stock of the situation at Tawang.

Later Rijiju had to undertake road journey from Tawang to Itanagar as the chopper could not fly due to inclement weather.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who is personally monitoring the situation all over the state had telephonic interactions with 18 deputy commissioners yesterday and
enquired about the prevailing flood situation in their districts.

There are landslides and flood-like situation in almost all the districts.

While major damage and casualties have been reported in Tawang, other districts like Anjaw, Changlang, Lower Subansiri and East Siang districts were reported to be badly affected by pre-monsoon rains.

The chief minister instructed the DCs to remain alert, keep the district disaster task force ready, see that medicines and ration items are adequately stocked and to maintain drinking water facilities.