Landslide in north-east India kills 16

NEW DELHI (AFP) - A huge landslide hit a camp for construction workers in a remote part of north-east India on Friday (April 22), killing at least 16, the police said.

Heavy rains triggered the disaster in the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, which lies on the Tibetan border and is claimed in part by China.

The workers, who were building a hotel, were asleep when the landslide hit their camp in Tawang district, more than 3,000m above sea level.

"Sixteen bodies have been recovered by the police and emergency workers. One more is feared trapped under the debris," said Mr Anto Alphonse, superintendent of police for Tawang.

"Three labourers survived and have received minor injuries. A total of 20 workers were at the spot when the massive landslide struck the construction site."

India's National Disaster Management Authority said the police and soldiers had rushed to the scene.

Landslides are common in the Himalayas, particularly during heavy rains.

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