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IMPHAL : Manipur woke up to a massive landslide in Noney on Thursday where seven people have been confirmed dead till now, forty five others are still missing.
The massive landslide occurred due to incessant rains which caused damage to Tupul station building of ongoing Jiribam – Imphal new line project. The landslide disrupted the railway track formation and the camps of the workers.
The massive debris has blocked the Ijei River, creating a reservoir that may inundate low-lying areas.
The landslide occurred at Tupul yard railway construction camp on Wednesday night. The rescue operations that are being conducted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster response Force (SDRF) State Government and Railways workers are underway.
An advisory issued by Noney deputy commissioner said, "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..."
"...as the condition is still developing and the future is unknown, the general public is hereby advised to take their own precautions, and especially ensure children do not come out near the river. Whoever can evacuate are also advised to evacuate. Public are further advised to stay alert and be prepared for any assistance in case of rain condition deteriorate further," it added.
It also advised travellers to avoid National Highway 37 due to multiple road blockages.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the incident.
Shah said a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the landslide site while two more teams are on their way.
"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," Shah tweeted.
The chief minister has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation. He also visited the site of the massive landslide.
"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," Singh tweeted.
Governor La Ganesan condoled the deaths and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"The governor of Manipur is deeply shocked to hear the sad news of landslide due to intermittent rain the state...he conveys deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prays to God for speedy recovery of the injured persons," a statement from Raj Bhavan at Imphal said.