20 killed in landslide in northeast India

At least 21 people have reportedly been killed in landslide in Choumol village in Manipur’s Chandel district, bordering Myanmar.

The death toll is likely to increase, officials here said adding that many people still missing.

The mudslide occurred in Joumol, a village in Manipur state close to India’s border with Myanmar, said police officer Herojit Singh.

T.S. Warngam, a vice president of the United Naga Council, a civil society organization, said that 20 villagers were feared to have been swept away by the landslide and that one villager was rescued.

“According to the preliminary report, 20 people died in the landslips. They will start their work early morning tomorrow”, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told PTI tonight.

Manipur has been hit by flood and heavy rains which resulted in destruction of infrastructure.

Due to excessive rains key highways have been cut off, villages have drowned under heavy water leading to thousands rendered homeless. In capital Imphal, low lying areas have been inundated as rivers are flowing above the danger mark.

The Centre today directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to move forces to Manipur immediately for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.