- NET Web Desk
In a heart-wrenching incident, at least 14 people have died and several others are feared trapped beneath the debris; after a massive landslide occurred along the railway construction site near Tupul in Manipur’s Noney district.
As per district officials, 14 bodies have been retrieved so far including those of seven Territorial Army (TA) personnel.
Till now, 23 people have been retrieved from the debris, among which 14 were confirmed dead. As of now, 60 people including villagers, army & railway personnel, labourers are buried; informed the Director General of Police (DGP) – P Doungel.
Rescuers battled torrential downpours on Thursday to extricate 19 people from the wreckage, who are now being treated at the Noney Army Medical unit.
According to an official statement, this landslide took place on Wednesday midnight and struck the company location of 107 Territorial Army of Indian Army deployed near Tupul Railway Station for protection of under construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal.
The landslide debris has obstructed the Ezei River, which flows through Tamenglong & Noney Districts of Manipur.
The advisory notice by Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Noney informed that the deluge has created a dam-like storage condition which, if breached, will wreak havoc to the low-lying sections of Noney district.
Meanwhile, the notice have urged the travelers to avoid commuting through NH 37 (Imphal-Jiri Highway).
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), State Government and Railways workers are involved into rescue operations at the landslide-hit Tupul station building in Noney, Manipur. But, poor weather conditions & fresh landslides are affecting the efforts; informed the NF Railway CPRO.
Prime Minister – Narendra Modi also spoke to the Manipur Chief Minister – N. Biren Singh and reviewed the current scenario. He has assured possible assistance from the Centre.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2022
Just received a call from Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to review the situation of the tragic landslide that happened today. We are immensely thankful for his deep concerns and assuring all possible assistance.
A team of NDRF has already reached the site.@PMOIndia
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) June 30, 2022
Besides, the Manipur Chief Minister – N. Biren Singh has also visited Tupul to take stock of the unfortunate landslide situation.
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. pic.twitter.com/rJU1d9UgNQ
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) June 30, 2022
Taking to Twitter, the Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation – Amit Shah also spoke to the Manipur CM and Union Railway Minister – Ashwini Vaishnaw and reviewed the current devastating scenario. “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,” – he wrote.
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.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 30, 2022
As per the statement of local populace, people residing downstream along the Izei river bank are currently expecting that rise in water level might lead to flash floods. If the river bank collapses, it might trigger flood crisis that will obliterate the adjoining paddy fields.
(This is a developing story. More details awaited..)
