Normalcy returns at Noney, BJP provides aid
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2016: Normalcy returns in Noney area, 63 km from the State capital, after the panic triggered by the massive earthquake that rocked the region yesterday.

Though no extensive damage was caused to human live other than the injuries received by four persons, large stretch of land and properties were damaged in the area.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located some 12 km North-West of Noney in the Naga Ching areas of Tameng-long district.

BJP Manipur State unit led by MLA of Thongju Assembly Constituency, Th Bishwa- jit with party spokesperson RK Shivchandra visited various parts of Noney today to assess the damages caused by the quake.

Almost all houses in No-ney Parts I, II, III, IV and V bore the brunt of the quake as cracks and crevices were found developed.

MLA Th Bishwajit hands over monetary assistance

Mud wall of a house of Ringbuan Phaomei at Noney Part-III collapsed causing injuries to four teenagers.

Meidulung Gangmei (18) s/o Kaphunsaphou, Kaningai Phoamei (18) s/o Ringbuan, Gaiphungang Kamei (19) s/o Kakhudin and Gailangam Dangmei (18) s/o Gaipui-buanngam sustained injuries and were rushed to the near-by PHC and they were later referred to RIMS for further treatment, stated Pantijailiu (44) w/o Ringbuan.

Crack was developed in the building of Tent Maker's Academy, Longmai Noney Part-I.Various Churches including Longmai Part-II Baptist Church, Longmai Part-III Baptist Church, and Longmai Part-IV Baptist Church developed cracks on the floors, ceilings and walls.

Numerous houses were found to have developed new cracks 24 hours after the earthquake raising serious questions as to how far the cracks will have an effect on the structures.

Gracy Abonmai (27), a resident of Noney Part-III narrated that people ran out of their houses out of fear when the quake started jolting.

She added that people were afraid of sleeping inside their houses as rumours that an aftershock might rock the place again spread in the area.

Meanwhile, Sunday school students of the area were busy rehearsing for the upcoming Children's day at Noney Part-III.

Instructor of the children, Pantidin Gonmei said, "Though there are indications that normalcy has returned in the worst affected part of the State from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, there is anxiety that anything can happen at any moment".

Large stretches of cracks in various parts of Noney were also witnessed by the visiting BJP team.

A resident of Noney Part-I, Salvia Kamson said that people ran out of their houses when the tremor began yesterday morning.

The palpable chaos and fear grew later as large cracks were later seen developed in various structures.

After visiting various houses which sustained extensive damages from the earthquake, MLA Th Bish-wajit provided financial assis- tance and other relief materials including rice, edible oil, sugar, salt, tea, pulses etc to the victims.

Altogether, 27 villages of Noney area sustained damages from the earthquake and villagers need prompt medical care facilities, stated Bishwajit in a brief media interaction.

The State Disaster Management has completely failed as no reaction was made from the State Government.

Even after 12 hours of the tragedy, the State Government delayed the rescue works.

The Central Government was quick in their action by sending two teams of NDRF.

He urged the State Government and the authorities concerned to take the necessary precautionary steps for the villagers as there is likelihood of more catastrophic consequences if the earthquake hits the region again.

Further, he said that the State Government should take steps to assess the extent of damages in other districts of the State.

The earthquake yesterday is the worst earthquake ever experienced by the people of Noney, stated Chairman of Village Authority, Kinan Kamson.

The Naga Ching has four villages which include Kabui Khullen, Bakuwa, Naga Ching Part-I and Part-II with more than 100 households.

Till today there has been no relief material from the authority concerned for villagers.

He added that the elected representative of the area who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Gaikhangam has not yet visited the area.

It is very unfortunate from the side of the representative that such attitude was shown to the villagers, he said.

Spokesperson of BJP Manipur State unit RK Shivchandra said that the State Government must provide relief materials at the earliest.