Noney: In a massive landslide that hit near Tupul yard railway construction camp located near Makhuam area (Marangching Part -5), under Noney district, about 14 north east of Noney police station and 97 km from Jiribam, at least six bodies have been recovered and many feared buried in the debris.
The landslide reportedly struck around Wednesday midnight. As per reports, of the six bodies recovered, sources say, it include two territorial army personnel. Unconfirmed sources say it is feared that over 50 others remain missing, several of them labourers, including locals and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) staff. One local family running shop near the camp have been washed away. With search operation already underway, officials say that the death toll is likely to increase.
The Ijei river flowing through Tamenglong and Noney districts has been obstructed by the landslide debris. This has created a dangerous dam-like storage condition. Noney district administration has said if the storage breach a breaking point, it will wreak havoc to the low-lying areas of Noney District headquarters.
Deputy commissioner Noney district, Haulianlal Guite has issued travel advisory and emergency helpline.
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The emergency advisory notice by the deputy commissioner of Noney stated, “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. The public are advised to stay alert and be prepared for any assistance in case the rain conditions deteriorate further.”
Manipur state government said it has already mobilized the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in close coordination with Army and Railway Authorities, local staff, including medical team. An emergency meeting was convened on Thursday, the government informed.
It further added that travellers are also advised to avoid travelling along the NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) road due to multiple road blockages.
According to reports, the PRO Defence Wing has confirmed of 13 individuals been rescued. Rescue operations by the Army and Assam Rifles are also being reportedly hampered due to fresh landslides and bad weather.
Meanwhile, sources said that Noney district has been totally blocked due to landslides. Noney-Imphal road has been cutoff since Tuesday evening due to landslides near Kotlen. All vehicular moment is said to be diverted to Bishnupur-Khoupum road.
Further news awaited.
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