A massive landslide in Manipur’s Noney district on the night of Wednesday, 29 June, caused the death of at least eight people and has left approximately 50 missing after the incident, officials said on Thursday, 30 June.
Seven Territorial Army jawans and a labourer of the Indian Railways were among the casualties, The Indian Express reported.
The officials had earlier said that dozens of people were feared to be trapped under debris caused by the landslide, and the rescue operation to find them was ongoing.
Till 5:30 am on Thursday, as many as 13 people were reportedly rescued. Later in the day, three soldiers of the Territorial Army rescued from the landslide were evacuated to Liemakong Military Hospital for treatment, ANI reported.
The landslide that occurred at the Tupul yard railway construction camp has also blocked the Ijei River and created a dam-like water storage situation.
CM Biren Singh Visits Site, Centre Assures Support
Chief Minister N Biren Singh called an emergency meeting to assess the situation of the landslide on Thursday. "Ambulances along with doctors have also been dispatched to assist in the operation," he tweeted.
The CM also visited the accident site to take stock of the landslide situation.
"We're working hard but because of rains & other factors, this happened. It is the main Tupul station where train was supposed to stop. Maybe because of heavy on-going work, some seismic disturbance may have taken place. 13 bodies yet taken out," said DGP P Doungel, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had spoken to CM Biren Singh and assured all possible support from the Centre.
Calling the landslide an "extremely unfortunate incident," President Ram Nath Kovind offered his condolences to the bereaved families.
"The loss of lives of civilians and Armed Forces personnel due to a landslide in Noney, Manipur is extremely unfortunate. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the safety of the people for whom rescue and relief operations are underway," he wrote.
'Travellers To Avoid National Highway 37'
"Due to the unfortunate landslide which occurred at Tupul yard railway construction camp, where casualties are being reported and dozens buried alive, the flow of the Ijei River has also been obstructed by the debris, creating a dam-like storage condition which if breached will wreak havoc to the low-lying areas of Noney district headquarters," said Haulianlal Guite, Deputy Commissioner of Noney, in an advisory.
He further advised the general public to take their own precautions, stay alert, and evacuate, if possible.
The advisory also added that the travellers should avoid National Highway 37 due to multiple road blockages.
(With inputs from Indian Express, ANI, and PTI.)
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