Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14:
Even though 65 houses have been severely damaged owing to heavy landslides during the last few days at Mao area along NH-39 another portion of the area having 60 residential houses is also under threat of caving in.
Meanwhile the State authorities have begun providing relief aid materials to the affected families by distributing around 70 quintals of rice today.
GAD Minister Francis Ngajokpa along with the Senapati DC have also rushed to the affected area today, informed SDO Tadubi, George over the phone.
The quantity of relief materials would be increased considerably in view of the high risk of another landslide at the area, he said adding that all the residents of the highly risky area have vacated their homestead and taken refuge in the nearby villages.
Since large cracks have developed in the area the landslide may occur any time now, George added.
Owing to the heavy landslide that has damaged a large portion of NH 39 measuring about 300 mts, goods laden trucks and passenger buses coming from Dimapur towards Imphal are still stranded near Mao.
The stranded vehicles include 195 goods laden trucks, 31 LPG trucks and 12 buses.
In order to reach Imphal the passengers had to walk on foot through the damaged route and catch another Imphal bound bus on the other side of the damaged area.
In the meantime a relief committee has been formed amongst the affected families; he said adding that the Govt would consult the committee for aiding relief materials to them.
The Govt is also contemplating on opening a rehabilitation centre for the ill-fated families, George said.