Disasters & Accidents

At least 8 killed, 50 missing in landslide in eastern India

Imphal, India, Jun 30 (EFE).- At least eight people were killed and 50 others were missing on Thursday after a massive landslide at a military camp in northeastern India, following heavy monsoon rains in the region.

Most of the deceased and missing are workers and soldiers, who had established their camps in a hilly region to build a railroad in the Noney district of the northeastern state of Manipur.

As per the latest figures, 44 soldiers had been deployed at the accident site, while more than 30 laborers had also been present.

So far, eight dead bodies have been taken out, while 13 people have been admitted to hospitals with injuries.

Images from the site show rescue work in progress, while the camp area appears fully buried under loose earth.

The victims include a family from the nearby Maraching village – a couple and their two-year-old daughter – who had been living and working in the camp.

Noney district administration had issued a warning on Thursday against using roads and advised evacuating the area if possible due to the fear of landslides caused by intense rains.

Rescue work has been made more difficult by incessant rains.

The landslide also partially blocked a local river, creating further risk for families living on the shore.

“Rescue operations are in full swing. A team of NDRF has already reached the spot and joined the rescue operations. 2 more teams are on their way to Tupul,” Indian Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

Landslides and floods are common in India, especially during the monsoon season between June and September, when heavy rains lash the region.

In the nearby state of Assam, at least 12 people were killed on Wednesday due to floods and landslides triggered by the rains, which have also caused widespread damage to crops and infrastructure. EFE

igr/ia

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