Officials also said that the flow of the Ijai river through Tamenglong and Noney districts has been obstructed by the debris.
Imphal: At least eight persons died and over 50 went missing after a landslide hit the camp of the 107 Territorial Army camp in Manipur’s Noney district on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, said officials. Reports said 13 others were injured in the landslide.
Most of the deceased were personnel of the Territorial Army who were guarding a railway line construction site. According to officials on site, the death toll is likely to rise as more people are trapped inside debris. Officials also said that the flow of the Ijai river through Tamenglong and Noney districts has been obstructed by the debris, which, they said, has created a dam-like storage. If removed, it will wreak havoc in the low-lying areas of Noney district, said an advisory notice by the deputy commissioner of Noney.
Taking to Twitter, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “Called an emergency meeting to assess the situation of the landslide in Tupul today. The search and rescue operation is already underway. Let’s keep them in our prayers today. Ambulances along with doctors have also been dispatched to assist in the operation.”
In follow up tweet, Singh said, “Visited Tupul to take stock of the unfortunate landslide situation. I’m thankful to Hon’ble HM Shri @AmitShah Ji for calling me to assess the situation and assured all possible assistance. A team of NDRF has already reached the site for rescue operation.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted and said, “Spoke to CM Shri @NBirenSingh and Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw in the wake of a landslide near the Tupul railway station in Manipur. Rescue operations are in full swing. A team of NDRF has already reached the spot and joined the rescue operations. 2 more teams are on their way to Tupul.”
Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Spoke to CM Shri @NBirenSingh and Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw in the wake of a landslide near the Tupul railway station in Manipur. Rescue operations are in full swing. A team of NDRF has already reached the spot and joined the rescue operations. 2 more teams are on their way to Tupul.”
