Manipur Earthquake: Rescue, Relief Work In Full Swing

 

IMPHAL:  Rescue and relief work was today on in full swing in quake-hit Manipur even as life limped back to normal with markets opening in the state capital.

However, offices and educational institutes remained close in the aftermath of the quake that left seven persons dead and 100 injured.

Several buildings in Manipur secretariat and the landmark Ima market in Imphal had developed cracks while some school structures collapsed.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Guwahati, which was engaged in rescue in Tamenglong district and Imphal besides other parts of state, was clearing debris and searching if anyone was still trapped, officials said.

In markets of the state capital, some women vendors refused to move in fearing there will be cracks in the structure but they later sat in the nearby open area.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sources said last night, "Damage to a few buildings, residential units and government offices have been reported, including damage to a six-storey building in Imphal."

The Army and Air Force have started working on relief and rescue operations in quake-hit Manipur since yesterday.

Most offices in state capital - private and government departments dealing with non-essential services - were closed besides educational institutions. Vehicular movement was stated to be normal in the state capital.

A state cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh yesterday, decided to provide ex-gratia payment of Rs. five lakh each to the family of deceased.

Of the injured 33 were in serious condition and admitted to different hospitals in Manipur, including the state-run Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIIMS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). The remaining injured people were discharged after first aid.

The epicenter of the earthquake, which shook the North-East region at 4:30AM was at Kabui Kjulen, 10 km from Noney sub-division of Manipur's Tamenglong district.

 

http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manipur-earthquake-rescue-relief-work-in-full-swing-1262358