Relief, rescue operation in full swing in quake hit Manipur; Toll touches 9

Relief and rescue operations are in full swing in the quake-hit areas of Manipur. Centre says all necessary assistance is being provided to the Manipur government in search, rescue and relief operations after a powerful earthquake hit the state yesterday. An official release issued by the Union Home Ministry said that a three-member team from Power Grid Corporation of India has already reached Imphal for restoration of the electricity supply. A team of doctors will be arriving in Manipur today to assess the situation and assist the state government.

The Home Ministry said there is no shortage of petroleum products and there is normal availability of all products with stocks of two weeks and above. It said, the operations at LPG bottling plant in Sekmai, Manipur has been temporarily suspended, which is likely to be resumed by today after inspection and necessary repairs. It also said that the Home Ministry is coordinating with the state government, Ministry of



Defence, National Disaster Management Authority, NDRF and other concerned agencies for providing necessary help.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are carrying out relief operations in the earthquake affected areas of Manipur. Assam Rifles and voluntary organizations are also helping in the relief operations. As an immediate measure for relief operations, 24X7 Control rooms have been opened in every district of the state. Rapid Response Medical teams have also been set up for every district. All educational institutions in the state will remain closed for one week from today as a precautionary measure and to facilitate relief and rescue operations. All government offices will also remain closed for today and tomorrow. 

The death toll due to the quake has reached 9. Seven people were killed in Manipur, while one each died in Bihar and West Bengal. In Assam, more than 60 persons have been injured in yesterday earthquake.