Landslide damaged Tupul station building of ongoing Jiribam-Imphal new line project
At least eight people were killed and 50 others are feared missing after a massive landslide hit a town in western Manipur's Noney district. The incident took place at the 107 Territorial Army Camp near the Tupul yard railway construction site on Wednesday night.
Of the eight killed, seven are reportedly members of the Territorial Army. The Territorial Army provides security to a railway line being built from Jiribam district to state capital Imphal.
Rescue operations are still on to find the 50 missing, of which 23 are TA jawans.
"Troops of Indian Army Assam Rifles and Territorial Army continued the rescue operations through out the day in general area Tupul railway station, Noney district, Manipur inspite of inclement weather. Teams of Indian railways, civil administration, NDRF, SDRF and locals of Noney District are also actively contributing in the search," Indian Army said in a statement.
Officials said that search operations will continue through the night. Engineering equipment, including bulldozers, have been pressed into service for creating access to the incident site and help in the rescue efforts.
The landslide also obstructed the flow of a river, creating a dam-like water body that could lead to flooding if the debris are removed, leading to a complex environmental disaster.
The obstructed flow of Ijei river, which has led to a dam-like structure, could flood low-lying areas if the situation worsens. The officer has asked Noney residents to take precautions and not let children go near the river.
The residents have been asked to stay alert for continuous rain, which may aggravate the situation. Those living in downstream areas have been asked to evacuate due as there is a possibility of breach in the dam.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the incident.