At least six people were killed and dozens were missing after a massive landslide occurred at a railway construction site in Manipur's Noney district, officials said on Thursday.
The incident took place at Tupul yard railway construction camp on Wednesday night.
Six bodies have been retrieved so far and dozens are feared trapped under the debris, they said, adding rescue operations are underway.
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 which occurred at Tupul yard railway construction camp, 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..."
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"...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. Public are further advised to stay alert and be prepared for any assistance in case of rain condition deteriorate further," it added.
It also advised travellers to avoid National Highway 37 due to multiple road blockages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured all possible support from his government in a conversation with CM Singh.
Modi said in a tweet, "Spoke to Manipur CM N Biren Singh and reviewed the situation due to a tragic landslide. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety of all those affected. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon."
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Railway 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.
Governor La Ganesan condoled the deaths and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"The governor of Manipur is deeply shocked to hear the sad news of landslide due to intermittent rain the state...he conveys deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prays to God for speedy recovery of the injured persons," a statement from Raj Bhavan at Imphal said.
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(With PTI inputs)
