Four members of a family, including a woman and two children, were killed when the debris of a landslide on the hill crashed above their house in Pynthor Langtein village in West Jaiñtia Hills district in the wee hours today.
The victims are Biangki Phawa (29), his wife Pynjanai Ryngkhlem (25) and their children, Edyfy Ryngkhlem (5) and Iwadaroi Ryngkhlem (3).
The family members were asleep when the landslip led to their house collapsing. Sources said the villagers launched a rescue operation on seeing the house collapse, but could not save them.
Police said their bodies have been retrieved and necessary legal formalities will be observed.
The couple were daily wage labourers, relatives said.
The Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills has been instructed to release Rs 4 lakh per victim to the next of kin immediately.
Meanwhile, one family near the site of the landslide has been evacuated and are currently staying with relatives. Other residents of the village have been advised to remain on alert.
