Manipur Landslide: At least 81 people have lost their lives so far in the devastating Manipur landslide that hit the north-eastern state on Wednesday. Chief Minister N Biren, who is constantly monitoring the rescue operations, described the landslide as the worst in the history of Manipur. “Worst incident in the history of the state. We have lost 81 lives, out of which 18, the Territorial Army (Personnel) were rescued; About 55 were trapped. It will take 2-3 days for all the dead bodies to recover because of the mud,” Biren told ANI. According to an official statement by the Indian Army, 12 more bodies, including eight Army personnel and four civilians, were recovered during a search operation from the site of a landslide in Manipur’s Tupul on Friday.
A landslide occurred on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday near the company site of the Indian Army’s 107 Territorial Army deployed near Tupul railway station to protect the under-construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal.
North-East Frontier Railway CPRO said that the landslide caused by incessant rains has damaged the Tupul station building of Jiribam-Imphal new line project.
Meanwhile, CM Biren said that the state is getting full cooperation from the Center in managing the situation. The Center has also sent NDRF and Army personnel for the rescue operation. Moisture in the soil affects vehicular movement, causing delays. The rescue operation will take another 2-3 days,” said CM Biren.
Meanwhile, Minister Narendra Modi with Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday reviewed the landslide situation in Manipur due to incessant rains and assured full support from the central government.
“Spoke to Manipur Chief Minister Shri @NBirenSinghJi and reviewed the situation due to a tragic landslide. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre. I pray for the safety of all affected. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured be cured at the earliest,” PM Modi tweeted.
(with inputs from agencies)