NEW DELHI, Jul 1 (NNN-PTI) – At least 14 people were killed and over 50 others missing, after a massive landslide hit India’s north-eastern state of Manipur, local media reports said, yesterday.
The landslide has completely blocked a river flowing through Tamenglong and Noney districts.
According to officials, the Ezei river, originating from Senapati district, has been blocked due to a massive landslide, near Noney bazaar, around 50 km north of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.
“Seven of those dead were Territorial Army (TA) men, and one was a Railway worker, engaged in the construction of the Imphal-Jiribam railway project.”
The landslide hit Tupul yard, railway construction camp, where TA men were guarding a major railway line construction site.
The local government is yet to confirm the death toll. However, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.
“Spoke to Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, and reviewed the situation due to a tragic landslide. Assured all possible support from the Centre (federal government),” Modi said in a brief statement, posted on social media.
Singh visited the landslide-hit area, to oversee the rescue operations, a local government spokesman said.– NNN-PTI
