TE24 International Desk:
GUWAHATI, India – At least 14 people have been killed and four dozen more feared dead after a massive landslide in a remote area of northeastern Indian territory in Manipur, authorities said Thursday (June 30th).
Rescue workers battled heavy rain to rescue 19 survivors from the rubble Thursday morning after a landslide at a railway building site, where workers were currently resting in an advanced camp, in the first hour.
The military has been drafted to join the investigation, but authorities were not optimistic.
Hawlianlal Guite, a regional judge in Manipur’s Noni locality, told Reuters by phone that the rest of the survivors were unlikely to survive the landslide, which occurred around 2am (4.30pm Singapore time).
Significant rains this month hit the northeastern Indian state and adjoining Bangladesh, killing more than 150 people.
The recent catastrophic floods have similarly uprooted millions of people and destroyed homes in a few low-lying areas.
“The relentless pursuit will continue into the evening,” said a statement from the Indian Armed Forces.
Helicopters of the armed forces were in reserve and were assisting in the rescue work in the place of snowfall.
“Designing gear with dozers has been pressed into the administration to enter the scene and assist in rescue efforts,” the military said.
