Body of TA Lt Col among 8 recovered; 20 still missing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 03 2022: On the fourth day of the ongoing intensive search and rescue operation, another eight bodies including that of Territorial Army (TA) lieutenant colonel Kapil D Pandey were recovered on Sunday at Tupul rail yard construction site in Makhuam village under Noney district.

However, 20 people are still missing.

According to sources, as usual the search and rescue operation began from early morning on day four to locate the 28 missing people.

During the operation, eight bodies were recovered, out of which four are of TA personnel and four civilians.

Out of the four civilians, identity of one is yet to be established while the remaining three are workers of railway construction, BIPL and Venkata Sai Construction.

With the recovery of eight bodies, the fatality count has increased to 42 .

Meanwhile, out of 43 personnel of Territorial Army who were washed down and buried by the landslide, 40 have been found so far.

Thirteen survivors of the army were found on the first day.

Later, 27 lifeless bodies of the army personnel were recovered bringing down the.

number of missing personnel to three.

On the other hand, five villagers including a two-year-old girl are yet to be traced.

Out of the 80 affected people, 52 were found on Saturday, leaving 28 people on the missing list.

However, with finding of eight more bodies on the fourth day, 60 people have been found so far, out of which 18 people were rescued and 42 recovered as mortal remains.

The 20 still missing people included three of TA, 11 of Venkata Sai Construction, two of railways and five villagers.

One of the bodies which was found on Sunday is yet to be confirmed whether it is that if worker of railways or of Venkata Sai Construction.

Most of the bodies recovered on Sunday were found buried 10 feet deep inside the ground and were detected using ground penetration radar of the Indian army.

While conducting the search and rescue operation, a landslide occurred again in the area causing apprehension among the people.

But the search and rescue operation continues.

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