Massive landslide hits railway construction site in India's Manipur: 8 killed, over 70 missing

AT least eight people were killed and over 70 others went missing after a massive landslide occurred at a railway construction site in Manipur's Noney district, officials said on Thursday (30).

The incident took place at Tupul yard railway construction camp on Wednesday night. Eight bodies have been retrieved so far, including those of seven Territorial Army personnel, they said, adding, rescue operations are underway. Around 72 people are feared trapped under the debris, which includes 43 from the Territorial Army.

The massive debris has blocked the Ijei River, creating a reservoir that may inundate low-lying areas. An advisory issued by Noney deputy commissioner said, "Due to the unfortunate landslide… where casualties are being reported and dozens buried alive, the flow of the Ijei 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 headquarters..."

"... 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. Whoever can evacuate are also advised to evacuate,” it added. The advisory also advised travellers to avoid National Highway-37 due to multiple road blockages.

Indian home minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh and the country's railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the incident. Shah said a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the landslide site while two more teams are on their way.

"Spoke to CM Shri @NBirenSingh and Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw in the wake of a landslide near the Tupul railway station in Manipur. Rescue operations are in full swing. A team of NDRF has already reached the spot and joined the rescue operations. 2 more teams are on their way to Tupul," Shah tweeted. The chief minister has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

"Called an emergency meeting to assess the situation of the landslide in Tupul today. 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," Singh tweeted.

He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured. Governor La Ganesan condoled the deaths and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also mourned the loss of lives in the incident.

"The news of a tragic landslide near Tupul Yard railway construction camp in Noney District, Manipur is extremely distressing… My condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured," Gandhi wrote on Twitter.