As many as 14 people were killed and over 72 others went missing after a massive landslide occurred at a railway construction camp in Manipur’s Noney district.
“23 people were brought out from the debris of which 14 dead. More are being searched. Not confirmed how many are buried but as of now 60 people including villagers, army and railway personnel, labourers (buried),” said DGP P Doungel.
So far, 19 people have been rescued and are being treated at Noney Army Medical Unit.
The incident took place on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday near the company location of 107 Territorial Army of the Indian Army deployed near Tupul Railway Station in Noney district for protection of the under-construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and assured full possible support from the central Government. “Spoke to Manipur CM Shri @NBirenSinghJi 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,” PM Modi tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. He said that two more teams of NDRF are on their way to Tupul.
“The available engineer plant equipment on site has been pressed into the rescue efforts,” officials said.
The injured individuals are being treated at Noney Army Medical unit.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh convened an emergency meeting to monitor the situation closely.
“Called an emergency meeting to assess the situation of the landslide in Tupul today. The search and rescue operation are already under way. Let’s keep them in our prayers today. Ambulances along with doctors have also been dispatched to assist in the operation,” Singh tweeted.
According to an official statement, full-scale rescue operations are in progress by columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
