India Landslide Death Toll Reaches 47

The death toll in the massive landslide in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur has risen to 47, with the recovery of five more bodies in the past 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday, reports UNB.

The landslide, triggered by torrential rains, occurred late on Wednesday night at an under-construction Metro railway site close to a Territorial Army camp in the state's Noney district.

"Five more bodies have been recovered by rescuers from the site in the past 24 hours. Of the deceased, 27 are Army jawans and 20 civilians, mostly construction workers," a police officer told the local media.

The Territorial Army is a volunteer reserve force of the Indian Army.

"Some 15 people, mostly civilians, are still missing. The rescue operation at the site by the Indian Army and the National Disaster Relief Force is still on though intermittent rains are affecting the same," he added.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the family of the deceased, after visiting the disaster site last week. 

Landslides and floods are common in the north and northeastern Indian states during the monsoon months of June to September. The natural disasters are triggered by heavy monsoon rains crucial for India's farming.