Landslide in northeastern India kills 20 people

NEW DELHI, India

At least 20 people died on Tuesday due to landslides in India's northeastern Assam state, officials said.

The deaths have been reported from the Barak valley region. The region witnessed incessant rainfall in the last few days causing flooding.

The fatalities include four minors, Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna told Anadolu Agency.

Seven members of the same family are buried under debris after a landslide in Chachar district, he added.

Rescue operations are underway.

Krishna went on to say that a compensation 400,000 Indian rupees ($5,323) was announced for each of the affected family.

The floods have destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and drowned cattle and poultry.

In a tweet, Indian President Ramnath Kovind said: “The loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Barak valley, Assam is tragic. Local authorities are undertaking rescue and relief efforts. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being.”

The state is already reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic with nearly 1,400 cases and four deaths.