IMPHAL – More than 2 dozen people, including 18 soldiers, have beenconfirmed dead as a massive landslide hit Manipur’s Noney district late onWednesday night.
Reports in Indian media said a huge landslide hit a territorial army campin northeastern state of Manipur where nearly 50 people are believed to betrapped under the debris.
The incident occurred after a landslide took place at a railwayconstruction site in Noney where workers were sleeping in a temporary camp.
Indian troops were reportedly stationed near Tupul railway station for theprotection of the under-construction train line in wake of rebel insurgency.
A senior police official told Indian media outlets that nearly two dozenpeople were taken out from the debris, of which 14 died.
Meanwhile, search operations were underway despite heavy rains, with over200 rescue workers and security personnel using latest equipment to recoverthe people. However, officials fear the chances of the remaining peoplesurviving are less.
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At least 18 of the confirmed dead were armed forces personnel, while fiveIndian railway officials were among those missing.
Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi assured all possible support from thecentral government. He also condoled the death prayed for the injured andmissing persons.
Massive landslides are common in northeastern Indian region while mudslidecomes after huge rainfall. Monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc in severalIndian states killing hundreds and dispersing thousands of people.
