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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>The death toll due to the quake has reached 8. Six people were killed in Manipur, while one each died in Bihar and West Bengal.<br/><br/>In Assam, over 60 people have been injured in yesterday's tremor. District administrations have been instructed to assess the damage caused due to the tremor. Most of the injuries were reported in Cachar and Kamrup Metro districts. Several buildings, government offices developed cracks due to earthquake. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Sports minister Sarbanand Sonowal yesterday met injured persons at Gauhati medical college and Hospital. The Home Minister assured all possible help to the affected states. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has also reviewed the post tremor situation in Guwahati with senior officials.
News On AIR | January 5, 2016 11:27 AM
Relief, rescue ops in full swing in quake-hit Manipur; Central Health team to reach Imphal