Armymen carry out rescue works after landslide at village Phamla in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. (PTI Photo)
Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Kalikho Pul have expressed shock and grief over the loss of 16 lives in a massive landslide triggered by heavy rains at Tawang today.
Praying for the departed souls, the Governor announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh for the nearest family of each of the 16 workers who died in the landslide, a release said.
Mr Rajkhowa also mourned the death of the 15-year-old boy Dipak Deori of Namsai, who lost his life due to drowning in the Namsai floods and announced Rs 1 lakh as ex-gratia.
The Governor called upon the people to remain alert and take necessary precautions as the state was experiencing heavy rainfall, the release said.
He also advised the state government and district administration to warn people living in landslide and flood prone areas, the release added.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families in Tawang, Chief Minister Pul announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakh to the family of dead, Rs 2 lakh to the critically injured, Rs 50,000 and Rs 4,000 to the injured persons as per the relief norms of the government.
Mourning the death of 16 persons due to the landslide, Mr Pul termed the incident as unfortunate, an official release said.
Keeping constant touch with district administration, Mr Pul asked DC Tawang to give all care and help members of the victims' families and the injured persons in the incident.
He called up Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and apprised him about the prevailing situation of flash floods, landslides and road blocks due to torrential rains for the last several days in the state, the release said.
Mr Pul also discussed the matter with Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who assured all help and support to the state government.