Tupul: Dozens are feared killed and at least over 50 are missing after a massive landslide hit the 107 Territorial Army (TA) camp in Tupul in the Noney district of Manipur early morning today, officials said. So far eight bodies were recovered, seven of those of the TA jawans and one of a Railways worker engaged in the construction of the Imphal-Jiribam railway project, sources said.
The Territorial Army was deployed near Tupul Railway Station in the Noney district at the site of an under-construction railway line.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited Tupul Railway Construction Camp in Noney where the landslide had occurred leaving several casualties and dozens buried alive.
Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Singh informed that the rescue work is underway, and the rescue team comprising of Manipur Police personnel, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force, army personnel etc were being deployed in the area.
The Chief Minister also interacted with the people of the nearby area and expressed his gratitude to the villagers for extending their support and co-operation in the rescue mission. He said an emergency meeting was held in the morning with top civil and Police officials to take stock of the disaster and the government has decided to provide ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakhs to the next of kin of those deceased and Rs. 50 thousand to the injured persons. He further maintained that all the expenses including medical treatment etc of the injured persons will be borne by the State government.
The Noney Deputy Commissioner informed that massive debris had blocked the Ejai River, creating a reservoir that may inundate low-lying areas. An advisory from the Deputy Commissioner’s office stated: “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 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…”
Troops of IndianArmy along with Special equipment assisted in clearing the Imphal-Tamenglong Road which was blocked due to a landslide in Tamenglong District, Manipur, the public relations office of the Ministry of Defence in Guwahati, stated.
President Ram Nath Kovind termed the loss of lives of civilians and Armed Forces personnel due to a landslide as “extremely unfortunate”, and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. “I pray for the safety of the people for whom rescue and relief operations are underway,” he tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to the Chief Minister of Manipur and reviewed the situation due to the landslide in the state.
The Prime Minister tweeted: “Spoke to Manipur CM Shri @NBirenSingh Ji and reviewed the situation due to a tragic landslide. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety of all those affected. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.”
– global bihari bureau
