GUWAHATI: Rescuers of the Army, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, SDRF, NDRF and local volunteers retrieved eight more bodies at the landslide site in Manipur's Noney district on Saturday, taking the toll to 29.
A massive landslide had struck Noney on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
Among the bodies recovered on Saturday, five are of soldiers of the Territorial Army's infantry unit and the rest of civilians. So far, the mortal remains of 20 soldiers and nine civilians have been retrieved.
Among the soldiers who lost their lives in the landslide are two from Assam - Jiyarul Islam of Rowinari village in Bajlai district and Balaram Sharma of Umrangso in Dima Hasao district. The mortal remains of the two soldiers reached their respective native places and the final rites were performed with full military honours. The search is still on for 34 other missing persons, which includes 10 TA soldiers and 24 civilians. Deputy commissioner Haulianlal Guite said, "Due to rainfall on Saturday, new cracks have appeared at the site. All the rescue teams have been advised to proceed with caution."
Over 400 rescuers are currently engaged in search and rescue operations and are being assisted by search and rescue dogs. The rescuers are also using sophisticated through-wall imaging radar systems and over 30 excavators to clear the debris.
Defence PRO Lt Col Sumit K Sharma said that mortal remains of 14 TA personnel have been sent to their respective home stations by two IAF aircraft and an Indian Army helicopter, while one was sent to Kangpokpi district of the state by road after wreath laying by GOC Red Shield Division and IG IGAR (South) at Imphal with full military honours on Saturday morning.
Assam minister Pijush Hazarika is also at the site of the incident to coordinate search and rescue for several workers from the state. A total of 22 people from Morigaon district were engaged at the railway construction site and of them 5 bodies have been recovered. Another five were rescued and admitted to Army hospital there.
