At least 16 dead after landslide in Arunachal Pradesh, India

A large landslide triggered by heavy rains has killed at least 16 people in the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said. One person is still missing.

The landslide occurred during early morning hours of Friday, April 22 at Famla village in popular tourist destination Tawang. 

The deceased persons are laborers who were working at the construction site of a five-star hotel at an altitude of more than 3 000 m (7 500 feet). Three workers escaped the slide with minor injuries, the police said.

Landslide in Famla village, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India – April 22, 2016. Image credit: ANI

Landslide in Famla village, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India – April 22, 2016. Image credit: ANI

According to media reports, heavy rains triggered more landslides in different parts of Tawang over the last couple of days, blocking roads, damaging buildings and disrupting power supply. 

Senior AccuWeather Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said up to 152 mm (6 inches) of rain fell in the region over the past 24 hours. The rains will continue into the next week.

Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh borders Bhutan and China. Landslides in Himalaya are common, particularly during heavy rains.

72 hours of rainfall accumulation ending April 22, 2016. Image credit: NASA/JAXA/Google GPM

Featured image: Landslide in Famla village, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India – April 22, 2016. Credit: ANI