Toll in Manipur landslide rises to 25, 38 still missing

The landslide toll in Manipur rises to 25, with 38 still missing, more teams were deployed at the site in Tupul to augment the search and rescue operations. While Army, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, SDRF and NDRF are continuing the search operations at the site.

Guwahati: Five bodies were found under the debris at the landslide-hit railway construction site in Manipur's Noney district on Saturday, taking the toll to 25, officials said. Thirty-eight people were missing and more teams were brought in to augment the search and rescue operations, they said.

"The situation in the landslide-affected area of Tupul is still serious. Due to rainfall in the morning, we are expecting the bad weather to persist. So far, 18 injured persons and 25 deceased have been recovered. 38 persons are still missing," Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted, sharing the video of a landslide.

More teams were deployed at the site in Tupul to augment the search and rescue operations, they said. Army, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, SDRF and NDRF are continuing the search operations at the site, a defence spokesperson in Guwahati said.

"Through Wall Radar is being successfully used, and a search and rescue dog is being employed to assist," he said. So far, 13 Territorial Army personnel and five civilians have been safely rescued. Bodies of 18 Territorial Army personnel and six civilians were recovered, he said. "Search for 12 missing Territorial Army personnel and 26 civilians continued," he added.

The bodies of 14 personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, were sent to their hometowns by two IAF aircraft and an Army helicopter, the spokesperson said. The body of one personnel was sent to Kangpokpi district in Manipur by road. Full military honours were given to the deceased personnel at Imphal before sending the bodies to their destinations, the spokesperson said. (With Agency inputs)