India, May 31 -- At least nine people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents across Arunachal Pradesh as landslides and flash floods battered parts of the state following days of incessant rainfall.

In East Kameng district, a massive landslide swept away a vehicle on the Bana-Seppa stretch of National Highway 13 late Thursday night, killing all seven occupants. The vehicle, which was heading to Seppa, was caught in the debris triggered by continuous downpours. All seven bodies were recovered by rescue teams early Friday morning, officials said.

State home minister Mama Natun expressed grief over the loss of lives.

"It is very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in a landslide on NH-13 between Bana and Sepp...