Khandu provides cash aid to landslide-affected areas

Itanagar, Aug 9 (UNI) Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today released Rs 50 lakh as relief and rehabilitation fund for those affected by yesterday's landslide in Sherjong village under Tawang district.

Altogether 51 houses had damaged and four members of a family were killed in the landslide. Rescuers had so far been able to recover only two bodies from the debris, official sources here informed today.

While interacting with the affected villagers this morning, the chief minister, who is also the local MLA, expressed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family and suggested the formation of a committee under the deputy commissioner for shifting of the villagers to a safer area as a permanent solution.

While lauding the efforts of the police personnel and Gorkha Regiment jawans for conducting search and rescue operations, Mr Khandu assured to construct a new school building in the village in place of the existing one which was badly damaged in the landslide.

Directing the district officials to prepare themselves to face any eventualities of nature, the chief minister advised them to keep adequate items for such emergencies.

''I will apprise the Centre of this year's flood situation that left behind a trail of destruction in the state and request them to send a high level team to assess the damages,'' he added.

UNI