Massive landslide leaves Manipur’s Noney in Havoc, lives lost, many missing, rescue operation underway

Imphal: At least two lives have been reportedly lost and around 50 people have been missing due to a massive landslide that ravaged at Tupul Yard Railway construction camp in Noney district of Manipur.

The landslide occurred at the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

It 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.

Public advisory

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 ljei 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 Head Quarter, and 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, Noney deputy commissioner Haulianlal Suite said in an advisory issued on Thursday.

Whoever can evacuate are also advised to evacuate. Public are further advice to stay alert and be prepared for any assistance in case of rain conditions deteriorate further, the advisory said.

It advised to avoid travelling along the NH-37 road due to multiple road blockages.

District administration in coordination with various national and state teams are undertaking search and rescue, relief operations work as we speak. “Stay Alert and Stay Safe!” It said.

Emergency measures

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said an emergency meeting was called to assess the situation of the landslide in Tupul. 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, he said.

Biren visited Noney to take stock of the situation. “Situation of landslides near Tupul is serious,” he said.

The state government has immediately mobilised the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force in close coordination with Army and Railway Authorities. Local staff, induding medical teams are rendering all possible assistance. Additional medical teams and ambulances have left Imphal already, the chief minister’s secretariat said.

An emergency meeting chaired by the chief minister was immediately convened upon receipt of the news of the incident. The situation is being monitorsd closely and all necessary assistance will be provided, it added.

In addition, five MCS officers have been attached with DC, Noney to assist in relief, rescue and coordination.

Deputy commissioner, Noney has published Advisory and Helpline phone numbers.

Thirteen rescued

Full scale rescue operations are in progress by columns of Indian Army and Assam Rifles. The available engineer plant equipment on site has been pressed into the rescue efforts.

As at 5:30 am 13 individuals had been rescued. The injured individuals are being treated at Noney Army Medical unit. Evacuation of the critical injured personal is in progress. The flow of Ijai river has been affected due to the landslide.

Rescue operations  are being hampered by fresh landslides and bad weather, however a concerted effort is underway to rescue the missing individuals. The Army helicopters are on standby waiting for the weather to clear, said a PIB press release.

Governor expresses deep condolence

Manipur governor La. Ganesan said he is deeply shocked to hear the sad news of landslide due to the intermittent rain in the state during the last more than a week. The unfortunate incident took place at Tupul Yard Railway Construction Camp, Noney District in which several casualties reported and dozens buried alive. Personnel of SDRF and NDRF are on way to join the rescue operation.

He conveys his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. He prays to God for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear these profound sorrows. Further, he also prays to God for speedy recovery of those injured persons.