17 killed, several feared trapped as stone quarry collapses in India

Seventeen people were killed and several others feared trapped under the debris as a stone quarry collapsed Tuesday in India's northeastern state of Mizoram, reported Xinhua, quoting police.

The stone quarry collapsed amid heavy rains that the state received in the aftermath of cyclone Remal, which made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night.

According to officials, the stone quarry collapsed between Melthum and Hlimen on the outskirts of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram.

"All efforts are underway to rescue the people who are trapped under the debris. However, heavy rains are affecting the operations," Mizoram Police Chief Anil Shukla was quoted by a local news agency as having said. "We have recovered 17 bodies so far and the rescue operations are going on. We suspect that six to seven more people are still trapped under the rubble."

Immediately after the incident, authorities rushed rescue teams to pull the bodies and survivors from the quarry.

Reports said the victims include a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.

Two persons have also been pulled alive from the site.

Officials said the rescue operation was underway despite relentless rain and landslides in the area.

In the wake of heavy rains, the authorities have ordered the closure of all schools and asked government employees to work from home. However, employees involved in providing essential services have been ordered to report to their duties.

Landslides triggered by rains have led to the closure of several highways and key roads in Aizawl.

Reports said a landslide swept away a building in Aizawl's Salem Veng, following which three people went missing.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation. He also announced an ex-gratia for the families of those killed in calamities caused by rains, including the stone quarry collapse.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall across northeastern states over the next two days.