16 Dead and Over 70 Missing in Landslide in Northeast India

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A massive landslide occurred at a railway construction site in northeastern India, killing at least 16 people and leaving more than 70 missing, AP News reported on the 1st (local time).

According to the report, the landslide struck the railway construction site near Nuni, close to Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, in the early hours of the previous day. The death toll, which was 14 the day before, increased to 16 after rescue teams found two more bodies overnight.

Among the confirmed dead, seven are believed to be soldiers. The missing persons identified so far include five railway construction workers.

More than 200 disaster response personnel and police are using equipment such as bulldozers to remove debris and conduct rescue operations at the site. However, continuous rain at the scene is reportedly causing difficulties.

In northeastern India, including Manipur and Assam, heavy rains have continued since mid-last month, resulting in over 200 deaths and millions of displaced people. Since May 17, 42 people have died in Bangladesh. The monsoon season in northeastern India and Bangladesh usually begins in early June, but this year heavy rains have persisted since May, earlier than usual.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on his social media that he is monitoring the situation with local authorities and that "the federal government has promised all possible support."