Large-scale relief and rescue operations are underway in Manipur after it was hit by a massive 6.8 magnitude earthquake early on Monday, claiming eight lives and leaving 88 injured.
Large-scale relief and rescue operations are underway in Manipur after it was hit by a massive 6.8 magnitude earthquake early on Monday, claiming eight lives and leaving 88 injured. Rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed from Guwahati for clearing the debris and looking for survivors within the rubble, official sources said.
Meanwhile, the National Crisis Management Committee also met on Tuesday to review the situation prevailing in the state. Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha chaired the review meeting while Manipur chief secretary participated in it through video conferencing.
NDRF teams have been deployed in the worst-hit Tamenglong district of Manipur, which was the epicentre of the quake, while another is on standby in Silchar in Assam. Most offices and educational institutions in the state capital Imphal remained closed.
Several buildings in Manipur Secretariat and the landmark Ima market in Imphal had developed cracks, while some school structures collapsed.
Power supply has been restored in the affected areas except in some parts of Senapati and Tamenglong districts. A three-member team from Power Grid Corporation is in Manipur to assist in restoring power supply.
A Central medical team comprising orthopedics, surgeons, anesthesiologist and other technicians has also been deputed to Manipur, an official statement said. According to reports from the Manipur government, eight people lost their lives and 88 were injured due to earthquake.
Of the injured, 33 were in serious condition and admitted to different hospitals in Manipur, including the state-run RIIMS and JNIMS, while the rest were discharged after first aid, the statement added. To assess the safety of partially damaged public buildings and advise the state government on issues related to repair and retrofitting, the National Disaster Management Authority is deploying a team of experts.
The statement said, telecom services are fully operational and a BSNL official has reached Imphal to take stock of partial damage to the state-run operator’s building and to advise on ensuring safety in future.
