Death toll in Manipur landslide rises to 10, 55 still missing

The death toll in a landslide at a railway construction site in Manipur's Noni district rose to 10 on Friday. Two more bodies were recovered from the rubble early Friday. Officials gave this information. The landslide took place on Wednesday night at Tupul Yard railway construction camp.

The search and rescue operation is being carried out by the Army, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, National Disaster Response Force (NRDF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), officials said. About 55 people are still missing. Eight bodies, including seven Territorial Army personnel, were recovered from the spot on Thursday.

"During the search operation in the morning, bodies of two more Territorial Army personnel were recovered," an official said. The rescue operation is going on amidst inclement weather with the additional support of NRDF, Assam Rifles, District Police, Indian Red Cross Society, local volunteers, and others.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen R.P. Kalita met the injured Territorial Army personnel, who were admitted to the Limacong Military Hospital on Thursday. However, now he is being treated at the Assam Rifles hospital in Mantripukhari. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the accident and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. Manipur Governor L. Ganesan has also expressed grief over the incident.

Debris caused by landslides has largely blocked the Ijei River, creating a reservoir that can submerge low-lying areas. An advisory issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Noni district said, "Many people are feared trapped under the debris due to landslide at Tupul Yard railway construction camp. Debris caused by landslides has largely blocked the Ijei river, resulting in the formation of a reservoir, which may submerge the low-lying areas of Noni district headquarters.

The administration has advised people living in these areas to take precautions. People have been advised to avoid passing through NH-37 as roads are blocked at many places.

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